Enabling Tanzania’s transition towards renewable energy by strengthening TVET for electricians

Continent: Africa
Duration: 2019 – 2021
Donor: Nuffic
Partner: VETA Kipawa and Graafschap college

Tanzania aims to make electricity available for all households, especially in rural areas. The country currently still has a high dependency on fossil fuels, as these type of fuels are often the cheapest option. However, fossil fuels are not the most logical option in a country with powerful rivers and 2836 hours of sunshine per year. If these renewable energy sources can be deployed correctly, they will serve as the motor to accomplish electricity for all.

In order for Tanzania to shift more and more towards renewable energy sources and at the same time ensure electricity for all, the entire energy sector needs to be adapted to these renewable energy sources. This means an investment in human resources and in skills development in the energy value chain. Investing in technical and practical knowledge and skills in renewable energy sources will contribute to:

Achieving Tanzania’s goal of converting from traditional to renewable energy
Graduates and learners meeting labor market demands and stimulating youth employment now and in the future.
Bringing forward change-agents (both students and teachers) for the energy transition

Thus, to optimally employ renewable energy sources, first the required Vocational Education and Training (TVET) should be in place. CINOP, Graafschap College and The Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) in Kipawa collaborate in this project to enable Tanzania’s transition towards renewable energy by strengthening TVET for electricians.

Approach

VETA Kipawa offers electrical technicians courses to students as well as to current professional workers that are in need of upgrading their skills. The training center addresses the need for more attention to the topic of renewable energy in the training modules. In the project, we work on strengthening the knowledge and skills of teaching staff, who in turn can transfer this knowledge and skills to students.

Module 1: Technical content: (renewable energy sources in the electrical sector)
Module 2: Teaching skills: teaching techniques for Competency Based Education and Training (CBET) and PBL cases (practicals).
Module 3: Awareness and knowledge spreading for Renewable Energy: the importance of renewable energy, how to take on the role-model or change-agent role for students and within broader society.