A Dutch startup called The Switch installs solar panels, heat pumps and other sustainable energy equipment for homes and businesses. In the Netherlands, as elsewhere, the energy sector faces an acute shortage of skilled technical workers. So, The Switch turned to an underutilized source of labor: refugees.
A job training program developed specifically for refugees with residency status, The Switch Academy offers free, comprehensive schooling in areas like rooftop solar installation, electrical work and heating system maintenance. Upon completion, participants start a three-month apprenticeship with The Switch, followed by an employment contract with fair wages and pension contributions.
The program is helping to fill an estimated gap of 40,000 skilled workers in the building services engineering sector in the Netherlands. At the same time, it's providing valuable vocational training and economic opportunities to a large population of refugees who lack access to good jobs.
