This week, NESSIE welcomed a new group of plumbing and heating (VVS) students from Aarhus TECH on a study trip with a special focus: renewable heat and local energy systems.
Rather than looking at batteries and smart grids, this visit shifted attention to district heating, solar thermal energy, and straw-based heat production. The students toured Samsø’s local heating plant, learned how decentralized systems work in an island setting, and reflected on what it means to pursue a career in a greener, more rural future.
As part of the NESSIE project, the trip was designed as more than a traditional excursion. Each round functions as a living prototype, developed and refined in dialogue with participants. The aim is to create a course format that resonates with vocational learners while addressing the urgent skills needs of the energy transition.
Together with the students, we explored:
- What role does VVS play in the energy transition?
- Could you imagine becoming an apprentice on an island like Samsø?
- What kinds of systems are needed in rural areas – and who will build them?
The discussions highlighted both the opportunities and the challenges of working as skilled professionals in decentralized energy systems. For the students, it was a chance to connect classroom knowledge with real-world applications, while also considering future career pathways.
We’re grateful to the curious minds who joined us, and to our colleagues and collaborators at Aarhus TECH for making this trip possible. The next iteration is already on the horizon – and with it, new insights for shaping the future workforce of Europe’s energy transition.