Vocational Education Stream

Leqa’a Awayssa

Leqa’a Khaled Awayssa, a 20-year-old Renewable Energy Engineering student from Hebron, Palestine, is paving the way for a brighter future in her community. As a student in the dual program at Palestine Polytechnic University, Leqa’a has always been deeply passionate about promoting renewable energy adoption in her region. However, she faced a significant challenge—limited access to quality technical training in photovoltaic (PV) systems in her local area.

Determined to overcome this obstacle, Leqa’a enrolled in the Photovoltaic Systems Installation Course at the German Energy Academy. “I decided to join the German Energy Academy to fill a critical gap in my skills,” she shared. “The lack of hands-on expertise in solar power systems was holding me back from contributing effectively to the solar energy transition in my community.”

The German Energy Academy provided exactly what she needed. Its comprehensive curriculum covered essential topics, including the principles and design of solar systems, as well as their installation, maintenance, and testing. The hands-on nature of the course allowed Leqa’a to gain practical experience in designing and installing solar systems, using industry-standard tools such as AutoCAD, PVsyst, and K2 Base. “These hands-on experiences were invaluable in solidifying my understanding of the technology and developing the skills to address real-world challenges,” she explained.

Leqa’a’s time at the Academy complemented her role as a trainee at SELCo, a local electricity distribution and transmission company. “The knowledge I gained at the German Energy Academy has already begun enhancing my contributions at work,” she noted. The technical expertise she developed, combined with the soft skills training, has helped her stand out among her peers. “I can now provide informed guidance to my colleagues and share the knowledge I’ve gained with my university community.”

When reflecting on her overall experience, Leqa’a expressed her enthusiasm for the German Energy Academy, delivered in collaboration with Al Hussein Technical University and funded by the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund. “I would highly recommend the PV Installation Course to anyone facing challenges in accessing high-quality training in renewable energy. The German Energy Academy has provided me with the tools and confidence I need to be an active participant in the solar energy transformation.”

Omar Al-Farah

At 23 years old, Omar Al-Farah is a dedicated and ambitious electrical power engineering graduate from Al Hussein Technical University. Always striving to grow, he never settles and constantly seeks new knowledge.

Before joining the German Energy Academy, Omar recognized a gap in his practical knowledge, despite a strong theoretical foundation. While interning at a company that had recently launched an Energy Management department, he felt the pressing need to deepen his expertise in energy efficiency. Aware of the growing demand for skilled professionals in this field, Omar knew he had to act quickly to stay competitive. The German Energy Academy presented itself as the perfect opportunity to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements.

Mohammad Al-Asmi

Mohammad Suleiman Khaled Al-Asmi is a 22-year-old Syrian technician with a degree in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems Engineering from Luminus Technical University College. Eager to start his career, Mohammad set out to find a job that matched his skills and qualifications. However, he quickly encountered significant challenges. Job opportunities were scarce, and finding employment required patience and perseverance.

Rather than giving up, Mohammad decided to shift his career path. Driven by his interest in the German Energy Academy in Jordan and the training programs they offered, he made the bold decision to embark on a journey into a completely new field—photovoltaic systems. He applied for the Photovoltaic Systems Installation course offered by the German Energy Academy in Jordan, in collaboration with Al Hussein Technical University and funded by the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund. When asked about his motivation, Mohammad explained that gaining new skills in an advanced field could open greater opportunities for him, both in Jordan and abroad.

Mohammad was accepted into the 240-hour PV Installation training program, which combined theoretical lessons with hands-on experience. Over time, he developed a strong understanding of solar energy systems and their installation. Supported throughout his journey by the academy’s staff, he received the resources and guidance needed to grow his skills. Reflecting on his experience, Mohammad shared that the academy was more than just a place of learning—it was a true partner in his professional development.

After successfully passing the final exam conducted by the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK) with distinction, Mohammad continued to benefit from the academy’s support. He joined the “Career Day” event at Al Hussein Technical University, where he interviewed with several companies and secured an internship with the Economical Company for Solar Services (ECSS). He noted, “The academy provided me with an internship contract to gain hands-on experience, and they actively follow up with trainees, striving to offer job opportunities to all their participants.” Today, Mohammad is a trainee at Economical Company for Solar Services, gaining valuable experience every day and preparing for a promising future in the renewable energy sector.

Mohammed Hussein,

In 2023, Mohammed Hussein, a 24-year-old Jordanian engineer, graduated from Philadelphia University with a bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering. Like many new graduates, Mohammed faced the daunting challenge of finding a job in his field. Undeterred by the initial setbacks, his passion for renewable energy guided him towards the German Energy Academy, where he enrolled in the PV Design course.

Starting with limited experience in photovoltaic design, Mohammed’s commitment and enthusiasm quickly distinguished him from his peers. His remarkable ability to learn and apply new concepts shone throughout the course. This dedication culminated in his final project, where he delivered an exceptional design that impressed his peers and instructor, earning the highest rating in the class.

Mohammed shared his journey, “The experience has been amazing, giving us insights into energy projects and sparking a passion for sustainability.” He expressed profound gratitude to the German Energy Academy, the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, and the teachers and engineers who supported him throughout the course.

Mohammed Hussein’s perseverance and hard work paid off. He recently advanced to the second interview stage for the role of PV Design Engineer with an international company. His story is a testament to the power of dedication and the transformative impact of quality education and training on shaping a brighter future.

Mohammad Khalid Al-Shrouf

Mohammad Khalid Al-Shrouf, a 23-year-old Jordanian engineer with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, has always been passionate about sustainable energy. Seeking to expand his knowledge in energy saving, he enrolled in the Energy Efficiency program at the German Energy Academy, supported by the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund.
Motivated by a vision to advance sustainable energy practices, Mohammad joined the program to gain the necessary competence to address pressing environmental issues through energy conservation. His dedication was evident, and he quickly became a standout student admired for his enthusiasm and leadership.

Mohammad’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of quality education and practical training. He described his experience at the Academy as unique, enriching, and highly constructive. The course expanded his knowledge and equipped him with crucial soft and technical skills, such as measurement, auditing, scientific persuasion, engineering intuition, and multi-level energy problem-solving. Also, the hands-on experience with testing and measurement devices gave him a comprehensive understanding of an energy engineer’s duties and skills.

These skills and experiences were pivotal in his professional development, enabling him to secure a position at one of Jordan’s leading companies specializing in energy auditing, management, and energy efficiency. Now, as a Research Assistant in Energy Efficiency Engineering at the German Jordanian University, thanks to the generous support of the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, Mohammad attributes his achievements and significant career advancements to this support through the Academy. His success story highlights the Academy’s pivotal role in developing future leaders in energy efficiency.

Maria Alarnous

Maria Alarnous, a 22-year-old Syrian engineer, has always been passionate about renewable energy. With a bachelor’s degree in power engineering, she enrolled in the German Energy Academy’s PV Installation course, which marked the start of an incredible journey.

Maria soon excelled as a student, especially in the course’s practical components. She gained a strong understanding of electricity, solar energy, and photovoltaic technology and practical experience with site preparation, system component assembly, and trial operation checks.

Her presence and expertise in the traditionally male-dominated technical field were inspirational. Her peers constantly sought her aid, demonstrating her excellent ability and eagerness to serve. One tutor expressed how inspiring it was to watch a woman achieve in such a subject.

Maria’s achievements drew notice, prompting her to apply for the prestigious AHK examination. Her story gained traction during an interview on World Refugee Day, becoming a beacon of hope for many.

With support from the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, Maria’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of education and perseverance. Her rise from an engineering graduate to an acknowledged pioneer in renewable energy demonstrates the need for accessible, high-quality education. Maria currently works remotely as a Commercial Operator for FYSH EVC Stations & Systems, a firm based in Dubai.