Training of Trainers for Energy Managers Held in Cooperation with GIZ
As part of PET’s project "Energy Managers in Local Energy Transition", implemented with the support of German Development Cooperation in Serbia, we co-organized a four-day Training of Trainers together with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.
Nine energy managers from Vrnjačka Banja, Pirot, Kragujevac, Svilajnac, Kraljevo, Vranje, Kruševac, Petrovac na Mlavi, and Leskovac completed this intensive training, which aimed to prepare them to transfer knowledge on energy management and energy efficiency within their local self-governments.
The main idea of the training was to collaboratively identify the most effective methods for energy managers to introduce key topics in this field to their colleagues, decision-makers, 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 training program prepared future trainers to deliver a newly introduced course of 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 complementary 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 adult learning 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 core subject matter of the accredited program. Two PET team experts and co-founders, Bojan Gajić and 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 received certificates confirming their successful completion. As newly certified trainers , they will now design and deliver 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.
