Skills Shortage Assessment and Training Provision for Local Energy Projects - MScR in Global Environmental Challenges

About the Project
In order to transition to clean, renewables-based energy system, the countries must not only ensure adoption of the new technologies (such as PV, wind, wave, hydro generation), but also make provisions for educating and training the professionals able to install, maintain, run, and control these technologies, as well as develop appropriate policy and regulatory frameworks to enable such transition.
This project will undertake a qualitative (e.g., via interviews, focus groups) and quantitative (e.g., via surveys, questionnaires) research to identify what skills are currently under-provisioned for in the UK energy sector and what training needs to be provided to fill in these "skills shortage" for successful transition to renewable-based energy system.

Why Choose this Opportunity
By undertaking this project you will:
+ have an opportunity to engage directly with the various players in the UK’s renewables-based energy sector;
+ influence the decisions on the teaching and training provision for transitioning to local energy systems (as findings of your work will be used to inform UK educational funding decision makers);
+ work as a part of an EPSRC research project team, participating in meetings and collaborations across the UK;
+ co-author research paper and report reports (and, as appropriate, attend international conferences to present own work).

About You
The project requires excellent command of English language as communication with people for data collection is a key requirements for this research.
In addition, it will be advantageous (but not required) to have previous qualitative and/or quantitative data analysis skills, though training will be provided where necessary.
Background knowledge of (renewable) energy sector is also advantageous, but now essential.

About the programme
The Cabot Institute Masters by Research is a unique opportunity to work with a leading supervisor to deliver a one-year research project that you are passionate about. The programme will bring together exceptional students from all backgrounds with a common mission – protecting the planet and securing our future. As well as learning from your supervisor, you will learn from your fellow students; coming together to share your ideas and developing your problem-solving skills as part of an interdisciplinary team over the year. As well as being hosted within the Cabot Institute you will have a direct relationship within the relevant School for your research area, allowing you to fully take advantage of a wide-ranging research community.
Alongside your research project, you will benefit from a unique personal development and transferable skills training schedule. These unaccredited, optional events will give you the opportunity to come together with your peers to improve your research skills and develop an innovative approach to the global challenges we face today. You will also be encouraged to propose your own interests for a seminar series, giving you a unique platform to mould your studies and get involved directly with the programme. The training schedule will focus on:
• Interdisciplinarity & Collaboration
• Innovation & Enterprise
• Making your research a success
• Research communications
• Ignite your interests (your chance to propose ideas for a seminar series)
You will also gain access to the Cabot Institute’s network of experts across academia, government, business and industry via networking events. These opportunities will not only support your research, but give you the edge in your future career, whatever that may be.