At WTS Energy, we believe growth happens when learning meets real experience. This year several of our consultants took part in the Solar PV Installer II Up-Skiller course. The upskilling training gave participants new confidence, deeper understanding, and a renewed sense of purpose in their work. In this story, we share how our consultants Mercy and Samson are upskilling, what they’ve learned, and why upskilling is so important in today’s energy industry.
What is the Program?
The Solar PV Installer II Up-Skiller course, offered by WTS Foundation, is an advanced, hands-on program that helps trainees strengthen their technical and practical skills in solar energy. Designed around real field challenges, the course equips participants with the expertise of seasoned engineers and site managers from Kenya’s EPC sector.
Covering QHSE, installation, operations and maintenance, design and sizing, and business and soft skills, the program provides a complete foundation for professional growth. WTS Foundation ran training at the Technical University of Mombasa from January to June 2025, where 152 trainees successfully completed the course. Currently, WTS Foundation is at the Rift Valley National Polytechnic, teaching a whole new cohort of trainees, until the end of the year.
The WTS Foundation is a non-profit organization established by WTS Energy Global, dedicated to promoting the green transition in East Africa and other regions through renewable energy initiatives.
WTS Foundation has multiple levels of impact. From a region to local community with a strong focus on the youth development.
What Does upskilling training bring?
For many professionals who work with us, the solar training program has been a doorway to new possibilities. Among them are Samson and Mercy, shared how the experience has shaped their outlook and skills.
What motivate you to attend this training program?
Samson’s motivation was driven by his strong interest in renewable energy and his background in electrical engineering. “I have always had a keen interest in renewable energy,” he explained. “When I was at compass, I did a project on hybrid solar power and wind power. I wanted to understand how solar power plants are designed, how site inspections and surveys are conducted, and eventually how installations and commissioning are done. That interest is what really drove me to take this course.”
For Mercy, who has been part of WTS Energy for nearly two years, had long dreamed of working with solar energy. “I really wanted to do solar when I was in school, but I didn’t get the chance,” she said. “When I heard about this training, I decided to take it. I wanted to grow, to learn, and to be ready for future opportunities.”
How is your experience?
Throughout the course, they found themselves immersed in hands-on learning. They connected solar modules, generated power, and gained a deeper understanding of how renewable energy can transform industrial operations. Samson shared one of his most memorable moments: “Going up to the rooftop to prepare the installation site, do the installation, commission the system, and then monitor it. It was a completely new experience. That hands-on work really cemented my learning.” Mercy also recalled, “We did experiments, we learned how to connect the modules, and it was exciting to see the system come alive.”
Trainees are working on the rooftop.
Beyond the technical lessons, she also appreciated the broader skills training: “We had sessions on CV writing and communication, which really helped us think about our careers.”
The training also gave them insight into Kenya’s solar potential. Samson noted, “Kenya has enormous opportunities for solar energy, but we’re still not fully utilizing it. This course gave me the knowledge and confidence to help push sustainable energy forward in our country.” Mercy also thought the skills they gained are relevant for advancing renewable energy adoption locally and globally.
What is the next?
Both consultants left the training eager to apply what they learned. Mercy plans to pursue Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) licensing and has already expressed her interest in participating in solar-related projects at her plant. Samson said he was as ready to act: “Right now, I’m preparing for the T3 licensing. I considered my options and decided to give T3 a try. I’m looking for a few solar projects to sharpen my skills. When a solar project comes up in WTS Energy, I’ll be ready to jump on board.”
For both, the solar training aligns with WTS Energy’s broader sustainability vision. “By learning these skills, we’re helping WTS Energy move forward with sustainability goals,” Mercy said. “We’ll already have the knowledge within.”
Why upskilling training is important for energy workers
In today’s fast-changing energy sector, staying current and skilled is benefit for both professional growth and workplace safety.
- Keeping up with change: upskilling training ensures professionals remain up to date with new technologies and industry standards.
- Building confidence in the field: Hands-on learning equips professionals to handle challenges, troubleshoot effectively, and make informed decisions on-site.
- Strengthening long-term collaboration: By investing in professionals growth, companies can build and a stronger more capable workforce.
Learning today, leading the energy of tomorrow
Through stories like Samson’s and Mercy’s, the impact of solar training offered by WTS Foundation becomes clear: empowering our consultants to learn, grow, and lead the way in a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, both in Kenya and beyond.
