BP leads vocational training boost for Azerbaijan’s renewable energy sector PHOTO

British energy giant BP, together with its partners, has successfully wrapped up another major educational initiative in Azerbaijan.

As reported by a Caliber.Az correspondent attending the event, BP — working alongside its partners in the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG), Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC), Shah Deniz, and South Caucasus Pipeline projects — namely SOCAR, TPAO, LUKOIL, SGC, NICO, MOL, INPEX, ExxonMobil, ITOCHU, ONGC Videsh, Eni, MVM, and TotalEnergies — has concluded a large-scale vocational training project focused on enhancing education in renewable energy technologies across the country.

The initiative consisted of two main components: the establishment of renewable energy workshops and the development of an integrated curriculum module on climate change and environmental issues.

As part of the program, two state-of-the-art renewable energy workshops were set up — one at the Baku State Vocational Education Centre for Construction and Installation and the other at the Baku State Vocational Education Centre for Engineering and Technology.

“These cutting-edge facilities provide students with hands-on, practical training through realistic simulations that demonstrate the use of renewable energy sources,” representatives from BP said. “The workshops are equipped with advanced solar and wind energy systems, enabling students to acquire industry-standard technical skills.”

In parallel, a comprehensive educational module on climate change and environmental sustainability was developed and incorporated into vocational school programs. The curriculum covers scientific explanations and effects of global warming, human-induced climate change, the role of renewable energy in mitigation, as well as energy efficiency and sustainable development principles.

BP’s Vice President for the Caspian Region, Bakhtiyar Aslanbeyli, noted that the project is intended to equip both students and teachers with essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the expanding field of renewable energy.

“We are very pleased with the successful completion of this initiative, which will have a lasting positive impact on Azerbaijan’s vocational education sector and its renewable energy industry,” Aslanbeyli stated. “This project gives students valuable practical experience with renewable technologies, supports teacher development, and promotes a broader understanding of climate resilience and environmental responsibility among young professionals. It is a step toward building a skilled workforce that can contribute to Azerbaijan’s clean energy transition.”

The project was carried out by the public association “World Skills Azerbaijan Association.” It began in May 2024 and concluded in July 2025, with a total investment of 322,000 manats, or approximately $189,400.

By Tamilla Hasanova