The Skills Bridge Ghana Foundation LBG (SBGF), formerly known as the STEM Parrot Foundation, has partnered with the Applied Technology Institute in East Legon to provide solar energy technology training for 50 industry professionals.

The initiative is designed to help meet Ghana’s increasing need for skilled technicians as the country continues to expand its adoption of renewable energy.

The training was launched at the Applied Technology Institute, with industry stakeholders, technical experts and energy-sector professionals attending the opening ceremony.

Founder and Executive Director of SBGF, Charles Agyemang Prempeh, said Ghana’s rising energy requirements must be accompanied by stronger investments in technical skills.

He said the country continues to experience growing power demand while facing shortages in areas including solar energy engineering, system maintenance and advanced photovoltaic integration.

“While advanced economies in Europe and North America aggressively finance comprehensive green workforce transitions to future-proof their labour markets, developing nations risk importing expensive physical hardware without the local human capital to maintain it,” Mr Prempeh stated.

Mr Prempeh said investments in physical infrastructure should be matched with efforts to develop the human capacity required to install, operate and maintain renewable energy systems.

The foundation said it is also collaborating with government institutions on capacity-building programmes covering solar energy and waste management.

According to SBGF, its work with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Development and the National Youth Authority (NYA) includes training young people in the two areas.

The foundation also identified Accra Technical University and Germany’s RELEVATE gUG as partners in efforts to align technical education with industry requirements.

Mr Prempeh commended the Principal of the Applied Technology Institute, Ing. Emmanuel Kotey Ashie, for his support for the training initiative.

“Partnering with your esteemed institution is both a privilege and a powerful testament to what we can achieve together,” he said.

He said the specialised programme would provide technicians with the skills required to meet national standards, minimise technical failures and contribute to Ghana’s transition towards renewable energy.

SBGF also recognised Leyden Education UK for providing logistical support for the programme.

Speaking to engineers and technicians at the event, Mr Prempeh encouraged professionals to regularly update their skills and pursue formal certifications as solar technology continues to develop.

“To industry stakeholders and government leaders: the time to invest heavily in solar training is now. Solar technology is no longer an alternative—it is the core driver of our emerging energy economy,” he said.

Mr Prempeh said SBGF would continue expanding its training programmes as part of efforts to develop a skilled workforce capable of supporting Ghana’s energy transition.