MinREACH to support AdDU-MREC caravans
The Mindanao Renewable Energy Acceleration and Coordination Hub (Mindanao REACH) plans to bolster efforts to introduce students, educators, and staff in higher education institutions (HEIs) across the region to careers in renewable energy (RE) and opportunities in technical vocational education and training (TVET). This will be achieved by supporting the Ateneo de Davao University-Mindanao Renewable Energy R&D Center (AdDU-MREC) as they conduct a series of regional school caravans, beginning with Region XI. The involvement of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority XI (TESDA XI) is set to enhance conversations around TVET, providing a richer learning experience for all participants.
Strategic Objectives of the Regional School Caravans
- Awareness and Education: The caravans are designed to educate students, educators, and staff about the vast potential and benefits of renewable energy technologies and careers. This awareness is crucial in a region poised for significant renewable energy developments, ensuring that the local population is well-informed and prepared to participate actively.
- Promotion of TVET: In collaboration with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority XI (TESDA XI), these caravans will also promote TVET as a viable and valuable pathway to employment in the RE sector. Highlighting TVET courses like Photovoltaic Systems Installation NC II can help demystify and elevate the status of vocational training, showing it as a direct route to employment in high-demand sectors.
- Skill Development: These initiatives are not just about awareness but are also aimed at developing specific skills crucial for installing, maintaining, and operating renewable energy systems. The practical skills taught in TVET courses directly apply to the field, making participants immediately valuable to the workforce.
- Enhancing Industry-Education Linkages: The involvement of TESDA XI not only enhances the learning experience by providing expertise in vocational training but also strengthens the linkages between the education sector and the industry. This integration ensures that educational programs are aligned with industry needs, enhancing the employability and industry readiness of graduates.
- Community and Stakeholder Engagement: By moving these caravans across the region, Mindanao REACH and AdDU-MREC aim to engage a broader range of stakeholders, including local governments, industry partners, and community organizations. This engagement is essential for building a supportive renewable energy education and employment ecosystem.
Impact and Future Prospects
The school caravans are expected to have a multi-faceted impact, from increasing the number of skilled professionals in the renewable energy sector to influencing the educational curriculum and policy framework towards more sustainable practices. As these caravans gain momentum, they may expand beyond Region XI, adapting their strategies and learnings to other regions, thereby creating a widespread culture of renewable energy proficiency and advocacy across Mindanao.
This comprehensive approach supports the immediate goal of filling the skills gap in the renewable energy sector and aligns with broader objectives of economic development, sustainability, and community resilience in the face of changing energy landscapes.