Development and Piloting of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Course

Project/Initiative

The Government of Belize (GoB) has pledged to reduce Belize’s dependence on fossil fuels by increasing access to and availability of renewable energy (RE) sources and to reduce energy consumption by implementing energy efficiency (EE) measures.

In order to accomplish this energy resource transition, the GOB is initiating the development of an advanced renewable energy training program at the Belize City’s Institute for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ITVET).

Nova Scotia Community College has been selected by the funding agency, the Inter-American Development Bank, to develop this new two-year program. The goal for the new program is to support the upgrading of the TVET system through the creation of an applied learning and industry responsive training program.

The project will also include training for teachers at ITVETs and secondary schools by enhancing the technical subject matter expertise of existing teachers and providing professional development related to such pedagogical elements as student assessment and individualized learning plans.

Services provided

• Develop the work plan and conduct a diagnostic assessment
• Design the new program and pilot it at Belize City ITVET
• Develop and facilitate teacher training and professional development activities
• Develop a public awareness and outreach strategy and associated tools

Results achieved

Through this consultancy, all planned deliverables were successfully completed, resulting in labour market–relevant learning materials, a newly designed Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency course, and comprehensive practical and virtual training for Belize City ITVET instructors. This capacity-building effort, supported by the development of a targeted Marketing and Branding Toolkit to promote the new course, enhanced instructors’ professional and teaching skills, strengthened the institution’s ability to deliver renewable energy and energy efficiency training, and positioned future graduates to contribute to Belize’s transition away from fossil fuels.