What is the background of the project?
The project is driven by the rapid development of energy systems, the clean transition and the digitalisation of society, all of which create new competence requirements in the energy, electrical and automation sectors that current education provision is not yet able to meet at a sufficient pace. Companies in the sector need stronger abilities to utilise data, digital systems, automation and intelligent energy infrastructures in order to develop their operations and respond to growing efficiency, safety and optimisation demands.
The project’s foresight analyses indicate a clear skills gap particularly in the digital management of energy systems, the analysis of energy data and the field of cybersecurity. At the same time, there are professionals in the labour market who face challenges in finding employment because their skills require updating or because their expertise is oriented towards different operational environments than those required in the Finnish energy sector.
To address these needs and challenges, a work‑life‑oriented, accessible and forward‑looking educational framework is required to update the digital competences of electrical and automation professionals and to support companies’ competitiveness as well as the successful implementation of the energy transition.
What will be the goal and the result of the project?
The project creates a work‑life‑oriented, open and modular educational framework that supports, among other things, the digital management of smart energy systems, the analysis of energy data, the use of automation and measurement technologies, and the improvement of energy efficiency.
The aim of the project is to strengthen the competitiveness and renewal capacity of companies in the energy sector by co‑developing training content with industry partners and by offering professionals opportunities to participate in learning pilots, including data‑driven exercises and training activities implemented in RDI environments. The project also promotes access to energy‑sector jobs for underrepresented groups by providing accessible and flexible learning pathways and by enhancing their employment opportunities.
As an outcome, the project produces an up‑to‑date and widely applicable educational framework that responds to the evolving competence needs of the energy sector and supports the sustainable development of the industry.
The goal of the project is to ensure that professionals in the energy, electrical and automation sectors are able to meet the digital practices and technologies required by the ongoing energy transition. The competitiveness of companies in the sector will strengthen as their personnel and new potential recruits gain concrete skills in analysing, optimising and digitally managing energy systems. The project’s outputs promote the transfer of new competencies directly into workplaces and support improved employment opportunities within the energy sector.
What will be the impact?
The impact of the project is reflected in the strengthened competence of professionals in the energy, electrical and automation sectors, enabling companies in the field to access talent capable of utilising digital technologies and energy data effectively.
The educational framework developed within the project creates lasting learning solutions that enhance companies’ ability to renew their operations, improve efficiency and respond to the demands of the energy transition. The practical, hands‑on expertise generated through pilot activities is transferred directly to workplaces, reinforcing companies’ competitiveness and capacity for innovation.
Funding
Main funder is the Economic Development Centre (former Keski-Suomen Ely-keskus) from European Social Fund 2021–2027 program. Project is ongoing on 1 January 2026 untila 31 December 2028.
Contact person
Tomi Salo
Senior Lecturer | Industrial Engineering
Tampere University of Applied Sciences
Email tomi.salo@tuni.fi
Office phone number +358 40 4829 796