Here’s the translation to American English:
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An innovative educational program on renewable energy has been launched in Seville, thanks to the collaboration between the company Zelestra and the organization United Way. This initiative, taking place at IES Heliópolis, aims to connect the theory learned in class with professional practice for approximately 250 vocational students in the field of renewable energy.
The program, called “Zelestra FutureS,” has a primary objective of improving the employability of young people by strengthening the ties between educational institutions and the business sector. In this context, over 30 volunteers from Zelestra have engaged in training the students, encompassing both first- and second-year students of the specialty.
During the training months, participants had the opportunity to visit solar plants and attend workshops where they designed innovative objects, such as backpacks equipped with solar chargers. Additionally, they received master classes covering topics related to project development, daily operations, maintenance, and emerging technologies, such as energy storage in batteries and the use of green hydrogen.
The final master class, titled “Attitude and Passion,” was delivered by key figures from the program, including Scarlett Álvarez, Global Director of Institutions and Sustainability at Zelestra, and Marina Fuentes, CEO of United Way Spain. This session discussed strategies to bridge the gap between academia and the business world, emphasizing that the effort and dedication of students are crucial for their professional future.
One of the most significant aspects of the program is its focus on young people in vulnerable situations, providing support to help them understand the workings of a large company and the opportunities available in the clean energy sector.
The impact of this initiative has been immediate, with the hiring of two students as interns, demonstrating the direct link between education and job opportunities. In total, over 250 students and more than 30 volunteers have participated in this program, which has exceeded 700 hours of impact in the community.
Scarlett Álvarez highlighted the success of the program, emphasizing the benefits it has brought to all involved and the need to establish long-term partnerships with local communities. For her part, Marina Fuentes reaffirmed United Way’s mission to help companies maximize their social impact, focusing on training that prepares youth to face challenges in the environmental sector and renewable energies, key elements in the fight against climate change.
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via: MiMub in Spanish