This paper informs about the consequences of the so called “turnaround in energy policy” in Germany. New demands are required in order to qualify staff of various professional sectors. Results presented stem from qualitative evaluation analysis of three model projects in vocational education.

The notion “turnaround in energy policy” (German: Energiewende) means the fundamental change of the energy supply system. To use only regenerative energy is the long term objective. The political decision was made in June 2011 by German government. The strategy of modernisation embraces all parts of society. Political motives base on necessities of climate protection, limitations of fossil resources and the end of nuclear energy in Germany. The main aspects of the turnaround in energy policy are:

• Dynamic expansion of renewable energy in all sectors,
• Rapid extension and modernisation of electricity grids,
• Increase of energy efficiency by using modern technology, mainly in buildings, in mobility and in consumption of electricity.

Supply of energy has to remain stable in order to strengthen German economy and in order to realize the aims of climate protection at the same time. In this context professional labour and vocational training deliver an important contribution on the way towards a society that is organised by the leitmotiv of sustainability.

The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) launched a program of grants to support political decisions. The BIBB-program aims at developing concepts of transforming and perpetuating  the German system of vocational education and training. The program has adopted ideas of sustainable development (Winzier 2011). The intention is to integrate all levels of the German system of vocational education and training. Within this funding initiative of the BIBB three model projects receive grants. They belong to the sector of renewable energy:

1. Model Project “BEE-Mobile” – Vocational education in skilled crafts and trades within the branches of e-mobility and renewable energy

The institute of research in medium-sized business (ifm), located at Mannheim University, examines consequences of the expansion of e-mobility and of renewable energy referring to vocational education in skilled crafts and trades. New programs of vocational education are designed. They address staff in the region of Rhine and Neckar. Furthermore it is the objective, to identify needs of qualification among medium-sized companies.

2. Model Project “Offshore-Competence“

The institute technology and Education (ITB), located at Bremen University, analyses competences and needs of qualification of experts working on installation and service of offshore wind energy systems. Results of this research lead to the design of programs of education in this professional sector. International standards of the installation of offshore wind energy systems are included as well as standards of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).

3. Model Project “Expert of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency”

The department of vocational education and training of the University of Oldenburg has designed the advanced training program “Expert of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency”. It is scheduled for 15 participants with a formal vocational degree in skilled crafts and trades. The first opening is under evaluation.

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