Smart and Advanced Electrical Skills: Identifying Current Gaps and Emerging Trends

With the rise of smart buildings, new expertise gaps and security vulnerabilities are emerging, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their current state and proactive future planning to address these challenges. Such identification is crucial for mapping the pathway towards vocational modernization (keeping up with trends and goal alignment). To assess these gaps, this paper explores the extensive literature that draws on workshops, expert interviews, and research to identify emerging roles and training needs across seven countries: Greece, Spain, Portugal, Italy, North Macedonia, Germany, and the Netherlands. In particular, it examines the validity of its findings in critical areas such as security, privacy, and the integration of smart grids with energy markets. Additionally, the paper highlights future skills gaps emerging from advancements in IoT, automation, and renewable energy technologies. It emphasizes the growing demand for specialized electrical expertise to optimize energy production, integrate monitoring and storage systems, and manage electric vehicle charging and energy communities effectively. In conclusion, the study identifies critical gaps in expertise and training needed to keep up with the rapid evolution of smart building technologies. Emerging trends highlight the demand for interdisciplinary skills, particularly in IoT, automation, and renewable energy. As these fields advance, expertise in cybersecurity, energy management, and smart grid integration will be crucial, emphasizing the need for proactive workforce development and planning. The findings can be used to inform and direct policymakers towards the smooth reexamination of vocational training.