Konsole Workshop: A Model for Renewable Energy Education and Career Development

KonSoLe (German: Konstanzer Solare Lernwerkstatt, translated as Constance Solar Student Workshop) at the International Solar Energy Research Center (ISC) Konstanz was developed to provide school students and young learners with a structured introduction to solar photovoltaic (PV) technology and sustainability. The program integrates short theory sessions, age-specific practical activities such as assembling simple solar devices or mini-modules, guided laboratory tours, and interactive exercises on energy consumption and climate impact. This blended approach allows participants to link scientific concepts with hands-on experience while fostering awareness of renewable energy in the context of social and ecological sustainability. Workshop evaluation combined short quizzes on theoretical and laboratory content with structured questionnaires administered immediately after the sessions. Responses were recorded anonymously using Likert scales and supplemented by open-ended feedback. The outcomes show consistently high levels of engagement, with over 85% of participants reporting increased knowledge and nearly 70% highlighting the practical module fabrication as a key learning element. Interest in renewable energy as a study and career field was reinforced, and more than half of respondents indicated that they could imagine pursuing a technical career path. Viewed through selected dimensions of Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), the results suggest that the workshop strengthened self-efficacy, shaped positive career outcome expectations, and stimulated interest development. Younger participants in particular expressed openness to renewable energy careers, while older learners with established vocational orientations responded more variably. Across groups, social impact and innovation were cited as main perceived benefits, although limited job opportunities were identified as a concern. Overall, KonSoLe demonstrates the potential of practice-oriented interventions to enhance knowledge transfer and encourage sustainability-focused career intentions.