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+254 726 098 856
info@ysem.org
87, Rhapta Rd, Westlands
Summary:
As the world transitions towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation systems, the e-mobility sector is becoming a cornerstone of this transformation. However, the success of this shift depends largely on the availability of a well-equipped and innovative workforce, especially young professionals. The growing demand for skilled labor in this industry, paired with rapid technological advancements, revealed a concerning gap in the skills and knowledge required for young people to thrive in e-mobility.
The assessment was prompted by the realization that, despite the enthusiasm for electric mobility and the potential it holds for creating green jobs, young people are often inadequately prepared to meet the industry’s demands. The e-mobility sector requires a unique blend of technical, entrepreneurial, and policy knowledge, yet educational institutions and training programs have not fully aligned with these needs. This survey was designed to gather data directly from young professionals, students, and industry stakeholders to identify where the most critical gaps exist—whether in technical skills such as electric vehicle (EV) maintenance, software engineering, or in broader areas such as regulatory knowledge and business development for clean technologies.
Furthermore, the lack of accessible training and awareness opportunities was seen as a barrier to entry for young people, particularly in regions like Africa, where infrastructure for electric mobility is still developing. The survey provided a necessary foundation to understand how these gaps could be addressed through policy, industry initiatives, and academic reform.
The findings of the survey were eye-opening and have provided several critical insights:
1. Technical Skill Deficiency: Many young professionals highlighted gaps in hands-on technical skills such as EV system diagnostics, battery technology, and charging infrastructure management. These skills are crucial for working in both operational and development aspects of e-mobility.
2. Entrepreneurial and Business Acumen: Another key gap was the lack of training in entrepreneurship, innovation, and business management within the e-mobility ecosystem. Many participants expressed the need for more structured support in creating startups and business ventures in the space.
3. Awareness and Policy Knowledge: There is a significant knowledge gap regarding government policies, incentives, and the regulatory framework governing e-mobility. Young people need better understanding of these areas to effectively engage with policymakers or start initiatives that align with local and international regulations.
4. STEM Education and Training: A lack of specialized education in STEM fields directly related to e-mobility—such as sustainable energy, automotive technology, and power systems engineering—was a major concern. Participants pointed out that current academic programs do not sufficiently cover these evolving topics.
5. Limited Access to Mentorship and Networking: Many respondents noted that they lacked access to mentors or professional networks that could help guide their careers in e-mobility. This highlights the need for more structured platforms connecting youth to industry leaders and professionals.
To address these gaps, the following recommendations were made:
1. Development of Specialized Training Programs: Institutions and e-mobility companies should collaborate to develop targeted courses and certifications focused on the technical and entrepreneurial skills needed in the industry. This includes online courses, workshops, and hands-on internships.
2. Inclusion of E-Mobility in STEM Curricula: Educational institutions need to revise their STEM programs to integrate subjects related to renewable energy, electric vehicles, and mobility systems. Partnerships between universities and the private sector can ensure that training programs are aligned with real-world industry needs.
3. Youth Engagement in Policy Discussions: To bridge the policy knowledge gap, young people should be actively included in national and regional discussions on e-mobility policies and incentives. This can be achieved through forums, summits, and advocacy platforms.
4. Investment in Green Entrepreneurship: Governments and financial institutions should increase access to funding and business incubation programs that support youth-led startups in the e-mobility space. Providing financial support along with business training is essential for fostering innovation.
5. Mentorship and Networking Programs: Creating mentorship programs where experienced professionals can guide young talent through structured networking opportunities will enable knowledge sharing and foster professional growth.
The Youth for Sustainable Energy and Mobility (YSEM) has been at the forefront of addressing these gaps through several ongoing initiatives. Recognizing the importance of equipping young people with the necessary skills, YSEM has launched several programs aimed at empowering youth in the e-mobility sector:
1. Training Workshops: YSEM is partnering with industry leaders to offer specialized training workshops in areas such as EV diagnostics, battery technologies, and sustainable energy systems. These hands-on programs are designed to provide practical experience, complementing academic knowledge.
2. Youth Summit at Africa E-Mobility Week: YSEM has organized the Youth Summit at Africa E-Mobility Week to bring together key stakeholders—industry experts, policymakers, and young professionals—to discuss and develop solutions to the skills and knowledge gaps. This summit also provides a platform for networking and mentorship.
3. Partnership with Universities and Industry: YSEM is working with universities and vocational institutions to integrate e-mobility topics into their curricula. By facilitating partnerships between academia and the private sector, YSEM aims to ensure that training programs are forward-looking and responsive to industry needs.
4. Mentorship and Professional Development: YSEM has established mentorship programs that connect young people with professionals in the e-mobility space. This initiative helps bridge the gap by providing guidance on career development, entrepreneurship, and innovation in clean mobility.
5. Advocacy and Policy Engagement: YSEM actively engages with policymakers to advocate for youth inclusion in e-mobility discussions. By creating avenues for youth to participate in shaping e-mobility policies, YSEM ensures that the next generation’s voices are heard in building a sustainable transport future.
The skills and knowledge gap in the e-mobility sector presents both challenges and opportunities. With focused interventions such as targeted training, policy inclusion, and mentorship, young people can be empowered to lead the charge in this transformative industry. YSEM is committed to playing a pivotal role in closing these gaps and building a resilient, skilled workforce that will drive the future of sustainable mobility in Africa and beyond.
Here’s a report on the assessment of skills and knowledge gaps among youths in e-mobility
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