The Industrial University of Santander took a decisive step in its commitment to strengthening training in renewable energies: the Academic Council approved the creation of the Professional Technician in Installation and Maintenance of Photovoltaic Systems, a pioneering program in Colombia that responds to the growing demand for talent in the national energy sector.
The proposal was presented by Professor Óscar Arnulfo Quiroga Quiroga, academic coordinator of the Electrical Engineering program and the advanced programs at the School of Electrical, Electronic, and Telecommunications Engineering, who emphasized that this initiative seeks to consolidate the role of the UIS in the country’s energy transformation.
“The purpose is to promote the development of this sector and for the UIS to continue to play a leading role in the development of the energy sector, contributing to the energy transition, which is a goal for the country and perhaps the world.”
An innovative and unique program in Colombia
According to Professor Quiroga, this new professional technician is unprecedented in the country.
“Our proposal is pioneering in the country… currently, there are no professional technicians in this specific area. There are technicians in the electrical field, but not in the installation and maintenance of photovoltaic systems.”
The creation of the program responds to the rapid expansion of solar systems in different regions and the shortage of personnel trained in their installation, operation, and maintenance.
Where the program will operate
The project was presented with a proposal to operate in three institutional locations: Bucaramanga, Barrancabermeja, and Puerto Carreño (Vichada).
However, its expansion to the Caribbean energy corridor is also being analyzed. “The site for the development of the program is planned for Bucaramanga, Barrancabermeja, and Puerto Carreño… however, other options are being analyzed in the energy corridor towards the Caribbean area, such as Cesar or Fundación.”
Who will be eligible to participate?
The program will allow direct admission once high school is completed, but it is also planned to be coordinated with technical secondary schools.
“The program has different admission options… and strategies have been developed for coordination with schools. This would be one of the candidates for coordination, through specific agreements with each school.”
With this, the UIS seeks to strengthen early training in technical skills related to clean energy, expanding educational opportunities for young people from different regions.
When would it start?
The institutional projection points to rapid implementation. “We are aiming for 2026-1. If we don’t make it, we will be starting by 2026-2 at the latest,” said Professor Quiroga.
