Solar Queen Technical Training Program
Significant gaps exists in the participation of women and men in the renewable energy industry and in the access of women and men to technological knowledge base. There is a general and societal belief about girls/women not being technically inclined thereby narrowing female careers to specific job roles which results to lower income, low self esteem, depression, stress, lack of economic growth and much more.
To solve the above problem, Ashdam Solar Academy specially offer the women to participate in renewable energy training programs through the Solar Queen Program.
This Cohort, IFAD’s Agrihub Project is offering 80% scholarship for women to participate in the Solar Photovoltaic Installation Certification Course. IFAD’s Agrihub Nigeria project teaches unemployed Nigerian youth and aspiring agripreneurs skills that will qualify them for self-employment or paid employment to improve their livelihoods in the rural economy
The IFAD Agrihub Nigeria project focuses on developing the skills of unemployed Nigerian youth and aspiring agripreneurs to become self-employed or secure employment in agriculture. Through its various initiatives, the project aims to improve the livelihoods of youth in the rural economy. Agrihub intends to operate an inclusive model that provides opportunities for people with low levels of education.
Through the training, the selected beneficiaries gain insights into starting businesses or taking up employment in the renewable energy or agricultural industry.
The overall objectives of the Solar Queen Program is to provide opportunities for women to develop skills and capacities that will allow them reach their maximum potentials in the renewable energy industry. Specific objectives are;
- Prepare women for technical roles in the renewable energy industry such as solar installers and field engineers.
- Bridge the gender gap in the renewable energy industry by building workforce of competent women
- Mentor women to be employment ready and to drive solutions in the industry as solar installers or entrepreneurs.
- Enable companies and organizations to access pool of trained and certified women installers that they can utilize to balance their workforce gender divide.
Next Training Dates
The program is a three months engagement starting on 6th March, 2023. The program includes virtual classes, two weeks compulsory physical/practical training, field experiences and mentorship sessions.
The physical/practical training is scheduled for 17th – 28th April, 2023.
Candidates will seat for the COREN certification examination on Solar Photovoltaic Installation (SPVI).  Candidates that pass this certification exams will obtain Certificate of Competency in Solar Photovoltaic Installation issued by COREN
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be between 18 to 29 years of age
- Have passion for renewable energy
- Motivated to contribute to universal energy access.
- Able to finance the remaining 20% of the course and COREN certification examination fee (Total of N55,000)
- Access to computer and internet for the virtual aspects of the training
- Be able to sponsor her living expense in Ibadan during the two weeks in – class physical/ practical sessions.
- Applicants must have access to a functioning mobile phone.
- Participants must be physically and mentally fit to participate in all aspects of the training. Applicants with certain disabilities are also encouraged to apply. However, this must be clearly communicated during the application period.
- Applicants must be ready to commit three months to this program.
- Applicants should be willing to undergo an field experience in relevant relevant renewable energy companies.
- Few slots available for men, hence men of age 18 – 29 can apply too
Solar Queen Program Participants have opportunity to intern with leading energy companies and may be recommended to employers after completion of the training and internship program.
