The Smart Energy Academy: The Future Of Renewable Energy
The Smart Energy Academy: The Future Of Renewable Energy Smart Energy Answers January 28, 2022 The Smart Energy Academy: Empowering the Future of Renewable Energy The Smart Energy Academy is an intensive training programme designed and implemented by Smart Energy Answers. It was created to nurture the talent of the next generation of renewable energy professionals while upholding the highest standards in the industry. The programme, currently in its second year, provides a limited number of engineering students and recent graduates with the opportunity to expand their professional knowledge of the renewable energy sector. It also gives participants the opportunity to fast-track a career in one of Australia’s fastest-growing industries. Setting the Standard The academy was founded after identifying a significant knowledge gap in the industry. Many solar sales companies provide employees and contractors with limited training and education, while only offering customers a narrow selection of pre-defined package deals. These sales-focused companies often do not allow their representatives to offer real solutions outside of their limited range of packages. They also may not equip their staff with the training required to truly understand and meet customer needs. As a result, the actual energy needs and requirements of customers are rarely examined properly, leading to sub-par experiences that can negatively impact energy outcomes for years to come. Across Australia, there is a strong demand for well-trained experts who can provide consulting services and help implement residential renewable energy solutions. The Smart Energy Academy’s major goal is to educate the next generation of solar professionals to the highest possible standard and improve the level of service offered to future customers. The Next Generation The second cohort of Smart Energy Academy trainees commenced the rapid learning programme in January 2022. To be selected, prospective trainees needed to display enthusiasm for customer service and sales, excellent communication skills, and confidence in their abilities. Trainees receive a combination of formal and practical training, including real sales experience. Training is provided by renewable energy industry professionals, both in-house and from private industry-leading companies, with many years of experience in the sector. Beyond Education Each individual who successfully completes the academy’s training programme receives a Certificate of Completion in the following subjects: Introduction to solar and renewables Solar panels, inverters, and batteries Household energy assessment Installation site technical analysis System design tools and applications Product benefits and comparisons Customer qualification and consultation Smart Energy Answers sales process: advanced Post-sale operations and installation Post-installation technical support Stand-out participants from each cohort of academy trainees have been presented with opportunities to gain employment at Smart Energy Answers and continue their professional development. Taimoor, pictured below, was a candidate in the academy’s 2021 student intake and has since gained full-time employment with Smart Energy Answers as a sales advisor. Smart Energy Answers and the Smart Energy Academy look forward to maintaining the highest standards in the sector through future training programmes. We are also committed to continuing to identify, support, and nurture the brightest talent in the renewable energy industry. Interested in Knowing More About the Smart Energy Academy? If you are interested in learning more about the Smart Energy Academy, contact Smart Energy Answers today. Our team can provide more information about the programme, training opportunities, and how the academy helps develop the next generation of renewable energy professionals.