EWZ and EKZ join forces to combat skills shortage
The two electricity supply companies EWZ and EKZ in Zurich have launched a joint training and communication campaign to combat the shortage of skilled electricians. The focus is on the targeted training of lateral entrants in order to ensure security of supply in the city and canton.
Without the work of the grid electricians, Zurich would remain dark. By building and maintaining electricity grids, they ensure that the city and canton are reliably supplied with electrical energy. Despite the importance of this profession, the shortage of skilled workers in the sector is a growing problem. For this reason, the leading electricity suppliers EKZ (Elektrizitätswerke des Kantons Zürich) and ewz (Elektrizitätswerk der Stadt Zürich) have joined forces to create a training program specifically for career changers.
A training program for career changers
The career changer program is aimed at professionals with a basic electrical engineering or technical background. During the training program, participants receive a full salary and learn practical skills on the job. The theoretical training takes place at the ewz training center in Zurich-Schwamendingen. After one year, graduates receive an internal training certificate, which distinguishes them as qualified grid electricians.
Diverse career opportunities
Many of the participants switch from other professions to grid electrics. Fabian V. from EKZ, who previously worked as an operations maintenance specialist, describes his new job as varied and exciting. Goran R. from ewz, who previously worked in fiber optic expansion, sees further training as a logical progression in his career and is looking forward to the new challenges.
The communication campaign
In order to reach potential candidates for the program, the companies have launched the “Komm ins Team Power” campaign. Short videos on various online channels as well as offline measures at sporting events and via employees are intended to address the target group. Further information can be found on the website www.teampower.ch.
Working together to combat the shortage of skilled workers
The collaboration between ewz and EKZ shows how energy companies can work together to combat the shortage of skilled workers and at the same time offer attractive career opportunities for career changers. The training of grid electricians is an important step towards ensuring security of supply in Zurich in the long term.