The scheme, funded by the EU Leonardo programme and run in partnership with the German Biogas and Bioenergy Society (GERBIO), offers successful candidates the opportunity to gain experience working in Germany at a biogas plant, laboratory or factory. It is principally aimed at young people looking to develop a ‘hands on’ career in the green economy.
REA reports that four candidates are due to travel to Germany in April as a result of round one, with a further five scheduled to travel in June.
The second round of applications, open now, closes on March 21 with successful candidates notified by April 18 and travelling out to Germany in the summer. Successful candidates will gain a “Europass” – a language and skills CV recognised across the EU.
Following a partnership agreed with the European Biogas Association at the Leipzig Biogas Conference in February, REA head of biogas David Collins and GERBIO partner Michael Kottner were successful in adding a further seven companies to the list of opportunities, bringing the total to 15. The range of opportunities now includes working agricultural biogas plants, equipment and plant manufacturers, CHP servicing, consulting companies and water treatment companies.
Once candidates have been accepted by the Leonardo Panel, they will be briefed in London by Michael Kottner on health and safety, biogas technology and language and culture in Germany.
REA head of biogas, David Collins, said: “We are very happy to be opening the scheme to new applicants and equally with the progress made to date. Germany is the European leader on AD, as well as many other renewable technologies. We have a long way to go to catch up, but budding biogas professionals of the future will be learning from the best on the REA’s ABLE programme.”