Renewable energy awareness in vocational and technical education

The vocational-technical education (V-TE) system has started a restructuring process recently especially in developing countries. In this study, the awareness level for renewable energy sources of individuals related with V-TE is investigated. Awareness survey for renewable energy sources is applied among the participants who are subdivided to different groups with respect to their gender, role in V-TE system and educational-social status. There is no statistically significant difference observed with respect to gender according to the results; (t((138)) = 0.027, p = 0.978 > 0.05). The participants are investigated in 5 different groups as students in the Department of Electric and Energy (DEE) in Vocational School (VS), graduates from DEE in VS, students in VS, graduates from VS and parents of the students in VS. According to the One-Way ANNOVA test results (F-(4,F-135)=4.402, p = 0.002 <0.05), meaningful difference is observed between the groups for awareness level of renewable energy sources. Analysis that are based on the participants' role in V-TE presented meaningful differences, upon comparing students in the (DEE) in (VS) with students in VS (p = 0.049 <0.05) and parents of the students with students in VS (p = 0.006 < 0.05). As a result, creating an Alternative Energy Sources Technology Programme under DEE is suggested in order to increase the awareness level of potential labor-force for local industry. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.