BFA EcoCompetence Laboratories in energy and resource management
About this good practice
This project was carried out in the Bialystok Functional Area (BFA) as part of the comprehensive “BFA EcoCompetence Centre project - creation of an industry competence centre in the area of energy and resource management efficiency”. Educational and demonstration laboratories in the field of energy and resource management were created and equipped, where demonstration lessons were conducted for students of vocational schools. The laboratories were established: in the Complex of Construction and Geodesy Schools in Bialystok, in the Complex of Schools in Czarna Bialostocka and in the Complex of Agricultural Schools in Bialystok. After the completion of the project, the laboratories are still operating.
The laboratories aim to improve the competences of students and teachers, among others, in the field of operation and diagnosis of renewable energy sources used in buildings, in the collection and processing of data, in particular related to the state of the environment, as well as in the field of estimating, preparing and using natural resources for energy production. Students gain competencies and skills that are essential in the local market in the current operation and specialized operation of renewable energy installations using modern tools and taking into account the requirements for maximum energy efficiency of these installations. They also acquire skills related to the use of software supporting the operation of intelligent installation control systems in buildings.
Resources needed
Total cost: PLN 1,212,914.59 (approx. EUR 282,073.16), EU funding: PLN 1,209,674.59 (approx. EUR 281,319.67).
Establishing and running laboratories required: 1 person responsible for establishing the lab, 2 experts (methodological preparation of the laboratory equipment concept), 3 lab supervisors.
Evidence of success
Results achieved:
1. Number of laboratories created – 2
2. Number of schools and vocational training institutions using additional equipment purchased thanks to the ESF – 3
3. Number of demonstration lessons conducted – 63
4. Number of students taking part in demonstration lessons: 642 (536M and 106W).
Potential for learning or transfer
The created laboratories are part of a structured and comprehensive system for the development of vocational education in energy and resource efficiency in the Bialystok Functional Area. They provide a platform for cooperation between employers, training institutions, the labor market and vocational schools in energy and resource efficiency. This support model responds not only to the needs of the local labor market related to the lack of qualified personnel, but also to the lack of a comprehensively equipped teaching base for practical vocational training in such a specialized and new field. The solutions proposed in the project can be effectively and successfully implemented in other urban centers or urban functional areas, where additionally there are synergy effect through the use of common substantive and institutional potential of municipalities and schools included in the area, making the support more economical and more sustainable after the end of the project.