Goldbeck Solar-EBRD Green Skills Development Initiative
Client:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has launched a joint venture with Goldbeck Solar to support the phased development and construction of solar power plants (SPPs) across Ukraine. This initiative is part of the EBRD’s broader commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s resilience and driving recovery efforts amid Russia’s ongoing war of aggression.
In light of the war’s deep impact on human capital and economic stability, the EBRD is actively partnering with its investee companies and national stakeholders to improve access to employment, skills training, and sustainable livelihoods. These actions are guided by the EBRD’s Equality of Opportunity Strategy, which sets out an approach to fostering economic inclusion and supporting vulnerable communities.
To meet the human capital demands of upcoming energy projects in field of solar energy in Ukraine, the EBRD initiated a targeted assignment focused on workforce development.
The assignment aims to support Ukraine’s green transition at both national and local levels through the following three key components:
Identifying current and future workforce needs in regions where the SPPs will be located, with a focus on uncovering skills gaps and priority areas for training and interaction.
Collaborating with local vocational schools and universities to co-develop or adopt international training programmes tailored to the renewable energy sector.
Enhancing the capacity of educational institutions to explore green skills training possibilities that is accessible to underrepresented groups—such as young women, people with disabilities, and veterans—ensuring equitable participation in Ukraine’s transition to a green economy.
As part of the assignment, AVG engaged with the consulting firm Cormack Consulting Group to help assess skills needs, define the possibilities in key regions for SPP development. Based on these insights, AVG conducted engagement with stakeholders (NGO, educational institutions, developer) of review of existing training and educational needs and programmes related to the solar power industry in Ukraine and professionals development in this field.
