REnForce: Building the Foundations for a Green Energy Future

Launched in January 2025, REnForce – Strengthening Workforce Potential in the Renewable Energy Sector is a three-year Erasmus+ Capacity Building project aimed at strengthening vocational education and training (VET) in Armenia’s rapidly growing renewable energy sector. The project focuses on modernising curricula, strengthening the capacity of VET providers and educators, and building stronger links between education and industry to ensure that graduates have the skills required by the evolving labour market.

The project responds to Armenia’s growing demand for skilled professionals in solar and renewable energy and seeks to address the gap between the skills provided by the VET system and the needs of the renewable energy industry. By strengthening cooperation between VET institutions and employers, REnForce aims to contribute to the development of a skilled workforce capable of supporting Armenia’s transition towards a greener economy.

REnForce is implemented within the framework of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Vocational Education and Training programme, through a partnership of 10 institutions from four countries: Armenia, Latvia, Belgium and the Czech Republic. The project consortium brings together educational institutions, VET providers, an employers’ organisation and private-sector expertise.

The project partners are:

Armenia

• Republican Union of Employers of Armenia (RUEA)
• Armenian State University of Economics (ASUE)
• Yerevan College of the National Polytechnical University of Armenia
• Gyumri Craftsman State School No. 4
• “Tavush Patrick Devedjian Regional College” Foundation
• Arpi Solar

Latvia

• RISEBA University of Applied Sciences
• The Green and Smart Technology Cluster (GSTC)

Czech Republic

• Škoda Auto University

Belgium

• Institut de Haute Formation aux Politiques Communautaires (IHF asbl)

Both local and international partners bring together complementary expertise in higher education, vocational education and training, renewable energy, industry cooperation, business development and EU-level project implementation.

Strengthening VET for the Renewable Energy Sector

A central objective of REnForce is to strengthen the capacity of Armenia’s VET system to respond to the needs of the renewable energy labour market. The project places particular emphasis on curriculum development and modernisation, work-based learning, capacity building for VET providers and educators, and stronger links between VET institutions and industry. Solar panel technology and renewable energy education are also among the project’s key areas of focus.

Within this framework, the project supports the development and modernisation of VET provision in the renewable energy field, helping ensure that training programmes are better aligned with technological developments and current and future labour market requirements.

A particular emphasis is placed on Work-Based Learning (WBL), which provides learners with opportunities to acquire practical skills in real or work-related environments and strengthens the connection between classroom-based learning and the world of work.

The project is also closely aligned with the ongoing reform of Armenia’s vocational education and training system. In May 2024, Armenia adopted a new Law on Vocational Education and Training, which places particular emphasis on work-based learning, inclusive education and lifelong learning opportunities. The legislation also provides for the introduction of micro-qualifications, supporting more flexible pathways for acquiring and updating professional skills.

Study Visit to Latvia

From 29 September to 4 October 2025, representatives of the REnForce partner organisations participated in a study visit to Latvia, focusing on innovative technologies in the renewable energy sector and good practices in the organisation and delivery of vocational education and training.

The visit provided an opportunity for the Armenian partners to explore international experience in VET provision, work-based learning, cooperation between education institutions and employers, and the development of skills relevant to the renewable energy sector.

The Republican Union of Employers of Armenia was represented by members of the project’s Steering Committee, Maria Khakhanyan, Vice President of RUEA, and Lilit Adamyan, Chief Executive Officer of RUEA.

The study visit is expected to contribute to the further development and refinement of the project’s educational approaches, particularly with regard to work-based learning and the practical relevance of VET programmes to labour market needs.

Key Areas of REnForce

The project focuses on several interconnected areas:

• Strengthening the renewable energy workforce

• Work-Based Learning (WBL)

• Capacity building of VET providers and teaching staff

• Strengthening VET–labour market links

• Solar panel technology and renewable energy education

• Curriculum and programme modernisation

• International cooperation and knowledge exchange

Contributing to Armenia’s Green Transition

REnForce goes beyond the modernisation of individual educational programmes. By strengthening the capacity of VET institutions, supporting educators, promoting work-based learning and creating stronger structural links between education and industry, the project contributes to the development of a skilled workforce capable of supporting the growth of Armenia’s renewable energy sector.

In this sense, REnForce represents an important investment in Armenia’s human capital and in the long-term development of a skilled workforce for the country’s green transition.

Project 101183074 — REnForce — ERASMUS-EDU-2024-CB-VET is co-funded by the European Union.