Promoting renewable energies - RETS Project

Professional training provided by
Coprotec in France
Coprotec has company status but is linked to a public
association, making it the fruit of an original publicprivate
partnership. In its private activity, it equips all
energy professionals with a set of tools enabling them to
understand what is happening in the traditional and new
energy markets. Coprotec was founded in 1993, and in
2009 posted €4.5 million turnover, from 70 employees.
900 trainee placements offered per annum, and 70,000
expertise reports were made in 2009.
The Training
Changing technology calls for an ability to adapt well, and
so Coprotec provides continuous training for
professionals. Professionals can come to the Coprotec
premises, where they can take a course in marketing,
environmental regulation, or other more technical
matters. Coprotec training also includes courses of a
practical nature; the Coprotec site is equipped with a
number of workshops for practical activities. The courses
last two to three days on average and cost about €200 a
day.
Qualit’EnR validates the installation quality of renewable
energy systems. Any company that obtains a “Qualit’”
seal commits to respecting a 10-point charter, and all its
installations are subject to random audits or following a
complaint.
The Support
The outfit has created a tool that professionals can use at
any time: online technical and regulatory support. It is
provided by the private wing of Coprotec. There are
many staff members able to answer questions relating to
all kinds of energy installation. Providing this service to
22,000 trade companies working in conventional
energies, and 16,000 specialised in renewable synergies.
Innovation
State agencies, in particular the Department for
Competitive Industry and Services, have invested in the
structure, designating Coprotec a Centre of National
Innovation for the Manual Trades in 1999.
Three main aims regarding supporting small businesses,
first, to facilitate technology transfer. Secondly, that the
constraints of small businesses are taken into account
with these resource centres. Thirdly, to share all this
information with all members.
A COPROTEC training session
Lessons to learn from COPROTEC
When the Kyoto Protocol came into effect, Coprotec’s
potential clients felt the pressure to restructure in order to
keep abreast of a market that promised explosive growth.
The Coprotec structure was able to tap into the
advantage of experience. Geographical proximity to the
IUT at Colmar. Communication and certification are
major features of Coprotec’s work.
Contact: http:///www.coprotec-elearning.com/ and
http://www.professionnels-energie.fr/
The Audit
As we have seen, once a company is certified, it must be
audited within the three years following the award of the
seal. The skilled trader pays Qualit’EnR €250 net of tax
for these audits. Qualit’EnR then pays about €200 to
Coprotec to perform the audit.
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