Celebrating the Success of the Solar Career Pathways Program in Kenya: Empowering Women in the Solar Industry
In celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s day, we're proud to share the tremendous success of the 2024 Solar Career Pathways program in Kenya, a partnership with WISEe (Women in Sustainable Energy and Entrepreneurship). This program has been a powerful initiative, equipping women in Kenya with essential skills and opportunities in the growing solar industry, helping them advance their careers while contributing to Kenya's clean energy future.
Building Pathways to Success
The Solar Career Pathways program was designed with two distinct tracks: the Entry Level Career Track and the Solar License Track. Both tracks were tailored to meet the specific needs of women at different stages of their professional journey in the solar energy field.
The Entry Level Track focused on recent college graduates, offering them a foundation to launch their careers in the solar industry. Meanwhile, the Solar License Track provided opportunities for women already working in the industry to further their professional development and achieve licensure as certified solar installers.
As of 2022, Kenya had fewer than 30 licensed female solar technicians. Thanks to this program, an additional 7 women so far have earned their licenses, paving the way for a more balanced workforce in the solar sector.
A Closer Look at the Program’s Curriculum and Impact
The curriculum of the Entry Level Track combined both online learning and hands-on experience. Participants completed two 30-hour online courses covering essential solar PV concepts, followed by a 40-hour practical training module. These sessions taught participants to work with DC and AC solar systems, honing skills in wiring, tool use, and system commissioning. Graduates then transitioned into internships and job placements, where they applied their newfound skills in various solar projects, such as vaccine refrigeration, electric vehicle charging stations, and rural lighting solutions.
For those on the Solar License Track, the program provided an intensive preparation for the licensing exams. This included workshops on professional development, technical solar design software, and solar site visits. Participants also benefited from mentorship programs and practical exam preparation sessions, which boosted their confidence and competence in the industry.
Stories of Growth and Success
The impact of the program has been clear in the success stories shared by the participants. One graduate from the Entry Level Track expressed how the combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on application made a real difference in her internship:
“The online and hands-on training through WISEe and Remote Energy significantly enhanced my internship experience. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application boosted my confidence and competence in handling real-world projects.”
Another participant added:
“The hands-on skills I learned have been invaluable in assembling solar refrigerators and completing technical tasks during my internship.”
These women are not only gaining technical skills but are breaking barriers in a male-dominated field, a testament to the program's broader mission of fostering empowerment in the workforce.
Pathways to Career Advancement
The program's outcomes have been incredibly positive. 100% of graduates from the Entry Level Track have successfully transitioned into paid roles within Kenya's solar industry, showcasing the program's emphasis on job readiness and immediate workforce integration. By collaborating with local solar companies, Remote Energy and WISEe ensured that participants had access to real opportunities to apply their skills and contribute to Kenya’s solar sector.
The Solar License Track has been equally successful, with 85% of participants earning their solar licenses on their first exam attempt. This achievement has opened up new career growth opportunities, enabling women to take on more advanced roles in their workplaces and promoting gender equity in an industry where women have traditionally been underrepresented.
Looking to the Future
The Solar Career Pathways program is just one step in our ongoing mission to build a more balanced solar workforce. At Remote Energy, we believe that empowering women in the solar industry is not only vital to fostering innovation and growth but also to advancing clean energy solutions for communities around the world.
We are excited to continue our work with WISEe to create even more opportunities for women in the solar sector and beyond.
About WISEe:
WISEe (Women in Sustainable Energy and Entrepreneurship) is dedicated to advancing women’s participation and leadership in the solar energy industry through education, advocacy, and mentorship. Check out their website to learn more about our amazing partners!