The Solar School Project developing green skills for a brighter future

The ETF has selected this project as one of the five finalists for the prestigious Green Skills Award, recognising its innovative approach to tackling youth unemployment while harnessing Türkiye’s solar potential to accelerate the green and digital transition.

Why this project stands out:

• Tapping into Antalya’s natural advantage: Over 300 sunny days a year and a booming renewable energy sector
• Reaching underserved youth: Engaging 18–29-year-olds from diverse backgrounds who face barriers to employment and education
• Practical, hands-on training: Five interactive stations simulate real-world photovoltaic (PV) panel installation and maintenance
• Connecting education with industry: Powered by partnerships with Çanakkale University, local companies and employment agencies to align skills with real job opportunities
• Delivering measurable impact: Job placements, re-entry into education, and renewed confidence and purpose for participants

• 60-day online learning with Canakkale University covering the fundamentals of photovoltaic (PV) systems, solar panel installation and maintenance, and core green energy concepts
• Hands-on practical experience at the Environmental Education Centre. Five, fully equipped PV training stations simulate real-life installation settings (rooftops, concrete structures), preparing students for real-world conditions. Upon successful comletion, participants are awarded university-approved certificates, enhancing their employment opportunities in the sector
• Individual employment support from the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR), including CV writing, job search coaching and interview training to help transition to the green job market
• Career pathways, matching graduates to employers in solar panel production, installation and maintenance, actively contributing to Türkiye’s green and digital transition

• 200+ young participants aged 18-29, including university graduates, those currently outside education or employment, including NEETs and rural youth from Antalya, Isparta, Burdur, and Mersin
• 31 graduates started jobs in Türkiye’s growing renewable energy sector
• 15 participants returned to formal education after completing the training
• €10 daily stipend throughout the 60-day training period to reduce financial barriers and encourage consistent participation 

• Supporting young farmers to install solar panels on greenhouses and agricultural land in Antaly, reducing energy costs and lowering emissions from heating, cooling, and irrigation
• Active alumni network involving 81 participants who stay connected via WhatsApp, sharing job leads, mentoring each other and sharing successes

“Some of our trainees had never attended an online meeting before. Teaching them how to use a microphone, turn on their camera or raise a virtual hand – this was the start of everything. Confidence grows with every skill.”

– Güliz Yaman, Project Coordinator

The Solar School Project addresses some of Türkiye’s most pressing challenges:

• a fast-growing demand for renewable energy technicians
• rising youth unemployment
• a persistent skills mismatch between education and labour market needs, particularly in rural and underserved areas

Now, with its mobile training centre reaching remote communities, the project empowers young farmers with practical solar energy skills, reducing Türkiye’s reliance on fossil fuels and accelerating the shift to a greener, more inclusive economy.

After joining the project, a 16-year-old student, once too shy to speak in group settings, found her confidence and returned to school. Today, she is thriving in her education and inspiring others with her progress.

Girls are strong. Sometimes they just need a small push. I’m proud to be that push.”

– Güliz Yaman, Project Coordinator

A university-trained engineer upskilled through the Solar School Project and now holds a management role at a leading solar energy company.

By combining practical training with a mobile, flexible format, the Solar School Project is tackling some of Turkey’s most pressing challenges head-on – from high youth unemployment and the shortage of renewable energy technicians to the disconnect between education and labour market needs. Now reaching rural and underserved regions, this initiative empowers young farmers to install solar panels on farmland and greenhouses, lowering emissions and energy costs while building a greener, more inclusive future. The Solar School Project is ensuring that the green transition leaves no one behind.