Training of Trainers for Energy Managers Held in Cooperation with GIZ
As part of the "Energy Managers in Local Energy Transition" project, implemented by PET in partnership with GIZ, a four-day "Training of Trainers" was successfully organized and held. The entire project was created with the financial support of German Development Cooperation, implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Nine energy managers from Vrnjačka Banja, Pirot, Kragujevac, Svilajnac, Kraljevo, Vranje, Kruševac, Petrovac na Mlavi and Leskovac completed this intensive training, aimed at supporting and learning them to transfer knowledge on energy management and energy efficiency within their local self-governments.
The main idea of the training was to collaboratively find the most effective solutions and methods for energy managers to introduce key topics in this field to their colleagues, managers, and other relevant stakeholders. The ultimate goal is to ensure understanding and support for the energy management system and to enhance the implementation of energy efficiency (EE) measures and the use of renewable energy sources (RES) in local self-government units (LSGs).
The entire program prepares future trainers to implement a training program accredited by the National Academy for Public Administration (NAPA) on the topic of "Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources in Local Self-Government Units".
Training Structure and Topics
The training was divided into two parts to provide comprehensive support to the participants:
The first two days (September 9th and 10th) were dedicated to developing trainer skills. Through interactive sessions led by Ivana Koprivica, participants learned about andragogical principles, active learning methods, training design and structure, as well as presentation and group facilitation skills.
The second two days (September 11th and 12th) focused on the professional content of the accredited program. Two of the PET team experts and co-founders, Bojan Gajić, Dejan Ivezić, PhD together with Boban Pavlović, PhD, covered 12 key areas, including:
Introduction to the Energy Management System (EMS): The connection between energy, environmental protection, and climate change.
LSG Reporting Obligations: Preparation of annual reports on energy consumption and achieved savings.
Relevant Legal Frameworks: Including the Law on Energy, the Law on Energy Efficiency and Rational Use of Energy, and the Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources.
Financing EE Projects: Co-financing opportunities through state funds, donor programs, and public-private partnerships (PPPs).
Energy Criteria in Public Procurement: Practical examples of applying EE criteria in the procurement process.
Communication and Public Involvement: Methods for informing and educating citizens about EE projects.
Next Steps
At the end of the training, participants were awarded certificates confirming their successful completion. They are now expected, as new trainers, to design and conduct accredited training sessions for employees in their local self-governments as well as employees and managers from various organizational units, such as legal affairs, financial management, public procurement, urban planning, and environmental protection. This step ensures the long-term sustainability of the project and the dissemination of essential knowledge for a successful local energy transition.
