The Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus (HRDA) has recognised the necessity for the acquisition of green skills by the people of Cyprus and has conducted a study entitled ‘Identification of Green Skill Needs in the Cyprus Economy 2010-2013’. Following the study, the HRDA, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, has put forward a Special Action Plan for promoting Green Skills in the Cyprus economy. Furthermore, the HRDA declared 2011 as the Year of Green Skills with the aim to raise awareness of the significance of the acquisition of green knowledge and skills, which are necessary for the development of a green sustainable economy.

During the period January-October 2011, the HRDA organised 72 initial training programmes to provide green knowledge and skills for occupations such as solar photovoltaic installers, building electricians, cooling and air conditioning systems technicians, plumbing and heating systems technicians and energy management and renewable energy sources for mechanics, with the participation of around 400 persons and an estimated budget of €1,8m. Moreover, the HRDA subsidised the implementation of 357 continuing training programmes, pertinent to imparting appropriate green knowledge and skills such as energy efficiency and assessments in buildings, design, management and maintenance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, renewable energy sources, environmental management systems, automobile hybrid systems and waste management, with the participation of around 5 000 persons and an estimated budget of €2,5m.

Noteworthy is the HRDA’s recent participation in a national consortium that submitted a proposal, approved by the European Commission, under the European initiative Build Up Skills. The initiative is part of the European programme Intelligent Energy Europe implemented by the Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation (EACI), focusing on continuing education and training of craftsmen in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy in buildings.

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