How to Break Into The Booming Dubai Solar Sector

Why are we highlighting the Solar Sector as a hot place to develop a career in Dubai?

Well, there are several reasons. Firstly, on a global scale renewable energy is becoming an increasingly important means of generating energy for countries. For example, the International Energy Agency believes that renewable power generation will experience rapid growth over the next five years, despite economic uncertainties in many countries – and they are projecting a 40% increase in global power generation from solar, wind and other renewable resources.

Another reason why we think the solar sector is booming in Dubai is because in January this year the Dubai government officials launched a Dh 12 billion solar project over a 48 kilo-metre area near Dubai which will eventually have the capacity to generate 1000 megawatts. Dubai is looking to target renewable energy to supply one per cent of Dubai’s energy by 2020 and 5 per cent by 2030.

This massive Dubai project will be developed in 21 months from appointing a consultant, contracting until operation and generation, which means that from a job point of view there will be an immediate and ongoing demand for solar professionals.. However, for those of you thinking more long term this would also be a good time to start your studies in renewable related subjects whether you are considering it as a first job or as a career change. Because, by studying and preparing yourself now, you will be highly employable in the growing solar sector in 2-5 years time just as it begins to pick up pace and mature.

Training and education needed to become a solar engineer

If you are looking to develop a career in the solar sector you will need to acquire degree level skills in certain areas, particularly engineering. This is because solar is in its early phases and is in a constant state of development in order to improve the efficiency of solar technology. The kinds of engineering degree subjects that are most applicable to the solar sector are: Physics, Chemical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineers and Materials Science. For many of the more advanced, higher paying roles in the solar industry you will need a Master’s level degree and even a PhD level certification.

Qualifications needed to work on the manufacturing side of the solar sector

There are about several types of manufacturing and technician role which you can perform in the solar sector and these are: semiconductor processors, computer controlled machine operators, welding/soldering/brazing workers, Glaziers, coating and painting machine setters, electrical and electronics installers, fixers and assemblers and industrial production managers. For these kind of roles you will be able to receive training on the job so these are great apprenticeship opportunities.

As you can see there are vast range of roles that you can perform in the Dubai solar sector ranging from PhD level jobs, all the way down to manufacturing trainees and apprenticeships. This means that there are a wide range of career opportunities in the Dubai Solar sector to suit all kinds of person. Please visit this link to careerjet to see a selection of some of the latest solar jobs available in Dubai.

About the author

Kazim Ladimeji is the Director of thecareercafe.co.uk—a resource for start-ups, small business and job seekers. It includes a blog with career and small business advice articles. Kazim is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, and has been a practising HR professional for 14 years.

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