ADAPT Project is in the field of renewable energies. Training and SME and job creation in the field of renewable energies.
The project aimed at the creation of Small and Medium Enterprises in the local renewable energy sector, by implementing training at two different levels of young unemployed.
Evidence of success (results achieved):
- 54 direct jobs
- Creation of 11 SMEs (6 in the island of Tenerife and 5 in the island of Gran Canaria)
- Training at different levels
Successful experience on the creation of SMEs in the renewable energy sector in the Canary Islands. Eleven SMEs were created with a total of 54 direct Jobs. The promoters of the companies were students trained in the upper level course. The entrance to the high level course required previous university education, since the idea was to select the 11 most motivated students and with a business profile, to support them economically and through capacity building, for them to create the new SMEs.
A lower level training, but directed to create very practical skills in installation and maintenance was given to a group of students that didn’t have any working experience and low education (some had basic vocational training, but no university studies).
First a selection of 11 students was made from the upper level training course, and these students were mentored during the creation of their new SMEs. They were also given working space, basic furniture and initial financial support for covering the staff cost for the first 6 months, to help them begin their new businesses.
From the lower level training course, 43 students were selected by their colleagues selected from the high level course, to join the new 11 companies created. Their integration in the new companies was made easier by the previous practical training that they had received. Also their salaries for the first six months were paid by the program.
Innovation approach:
- Initial courses on general aspects of renewable energies
- 2nd level of training on installation of maintenance of renewable energy systems
- 3rd level of training for students with prior university education.
- Emphasis on design of renewable energy systems; regulatory framework for promotion of renewable energy; practical training on business creation, and on marketing, finance, and business organization.
- Public support for the creation of 22 SMEs: working space; furniture/computers; grant for covering initial staff cost
Most difficult part was creating the 11 SMEs. Legal aspects and bureaucratic issues had to be solved, and negotiations had to be done with different municipalities to try to find physical space for hosting the new created companies.
It is important to make sure that there will be market demand for the product/services that the new created companies will offer. Also that the personnel trained at the courses offered by the program gain the motivation and the right attitude and proactivity demanded by the new business projects. Lack of real working experience is a handicap, especially at the beginning.
It is important to make sure that there will be market demand for the product/services that the new created companies will offer. Also that the personnel trained at the courses offered by the program gain the motivation and the right attitude and proactivity demanded by the new business projects. Lack of real working experience is a handicap, especially at the beginning.
Many of the young people trained got the opportunity to gain working experience through the 11 SMEs were created, and some went. Others went to work for existing companies. But most of them are actively contributing to the development of the renewable energy sector in the Canary Islands.