Competency Frameworks for Electrical Installers in the Renewable Energy Transition: An Empirical Analysis of Skills Gaps, Training Pathways, and Policy Implications

This study investigates “Competency Frameworks for Electrical Installers in the Renewable Energy Transition: An Empirical Analysis of Skills Gaps, Training Pathways, and Policy Implications”. The study adopted descriptive survey research design with a quantitative approach. The population of the study comprises all stakeholders directly involved in renewable energy deployment and technical workforce development, including: Electrical installers and technicians in renewable energy industries, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) instructors, Technical and engineering educators in tertiary institutions, Renewable energy company managers and supervisors, Representatives of professional certification and regulatory bodies, and Energy sector policymakers and workforce development specialists. However, a total of 300 respondents was sample across-board using stratified random sampling technique for each category to form a stratum for fair representation from which respondents as selection was proportionately as seen in sample table. The instrument used for data collection was a 15-item structured questionnaire validated by three experts for the purpose of obtaining information from the respondents. The reliability of the instrument was established using Cronbach Alpha reliability method to obtain the reliability index of .78. Three objectives, three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. Data generated from the study was analyzed using mean and standard deviation for the research questions, while hypotheses were tested at .05 level of significance using independent Sample t-test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Multiple Regression Analysis. Findings reveal among others that Electrical installers require advanced and emerging competencies in renewable energy technologies, including solar PV systems, energy storage systems, smart-grids, and digital technologies. The paper concludes with policy recommendations that Regular Review and Modernization of Technical and Vocational Education Curricula Educational institutions, regulatory agencies, and industry stakeholders should collaborate to periodically review and update electrical installation curricula to reflect emerging renewable energy technologies and industry competency requirements.

Electrical installer, renewable energy and skills

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