This spring, a group of students and teachers from Aarhus TECH, a Danish vocational education institution, traveled to Samsø for the first NESSIE study day. The visit marked the launch of a series of field-based learning experiences designed to prototype new Short Advanced Courses for vocational students in the energy transition.
- What does it mean to be a vocational student in a rural or island community?
- How do we bring the energy transition to life through hands-on learning?
- And can a small island like Samsø help shape the future of green skills in Europe?
These were just a few of the questions discussed by students and teachers from Aarhus TECH, facilitated by NESSIE partner Samsø Energy Academy.
Samsø, often hailed as a pioneer in renewable energy, provided the perfect setting for this pilot learning experience. The visiting group joined local guides and experts for a full-day immersion into the island’s transition journey—from wind power to smart grids.
Participants visited Ballen Harbour, where the SMILE project is testing smart grid technologies in real-world conditions. They also took part in field visits, reflection sessions, and peer-to-peer workshops that sparked deep dialogue around vocational identity and local empowerment.
Prototyping a Short Advanced Course (SAC)
This study day wasn’t just a one-off event, it was a prototype for one of NESSIE’s Short Advanced Courses (SACs). SACs are a core element of the project’s upskilling strategy: compact, practical learning formats that bridge technical knowledge with on-the-ground experience.
By piloting this course with Aarhus TECH, the team gathered essential feedback to refine future SACs across other lighthouse locations like Ameland, Borkum, and Morbihan.
The Bigger Picture
This study day on Samsø highlighted a central truth: the energy transition depends not only on policy and innovation, but on the skilled professionals who put plans into action. As Jan Jantzen from the Samsø Energy Academy reminded students,
“We have the legislative, executive, and judicial powers – but if we are to succeed with the green transition, we also need the implementing power. That’s you – the vocational professions.”
This message echoes NESSIE’s broader mission, to strengthen the role of vocational education and training (VET) in delivering a just and effective energy transition, especially in remote and rural regions where capacity gaps are most acute.
What's Next?
This study day marks the first of several immersive learning journeys planned under NESSIE. Each will contribute to developing a repeatable blueprint for energy transition training that is locally grounded, experientially rich, and scalable across Europe.
Stay tuned for the next field visit—and for more insights from the students and teachers shaping the future of green skills.