A pedagogically prepared mentor is the key factor for successful practical training of students at real workplaces within companies.

To that end, as part of its ongoing activities, the Economic Chamber organized a mentor training program focused on the implementation of practical training for students. The training was delivered to employees of AD Elektrani na Severna Makedonija (AD ESM), a company that invests in improving the knowledge and skills of its workforce, in developing future young talent, and in strengthening the link between education and the real sector.

The goal of the mentor training was to equip mentors with the knowledge, competencies, and tools necessary for effective mentorship of students in vocational education—enabling them to transfer knowledge effectively, communicate clearly, assess students’ knowledge and skills during the process of acquiring professional expertise and practical skills, and support their professional development, engagement, critical thinking, and understanding of the company's organizational structure.

The training included employees from several departments of AD ESM in Skopje, as well as from its subsidiaries: Energetika, HES Treska, HES Crn Drim, HEC Tikvesh, REK Oslomej, and REK Bitola.

The training was conducted by experienced instructors and will help mentors not only to transfer their knowledge and experience to students, but also to learn how to inspire and motivate young people—because mentoring is not just about sharing knowledge, it is about inspiration.

AD ESM is the backbone of the country’s energy system, forming the starting and main link in the chain of electricity production–transmission–distribution. The company generates around 90% of the total domestic electricity production from its facilities. Its thermal power plants, with nameplate capacity of 824 MW, produce up to 5,000 GWh of electricity annually on average. Its hydroelectric power plants, with nameplate capacity of 556.8 MW, produce an average of 1,200 GWh per year, and its wind farms, with nameplate capacity of 36.8 MW, generate over 100 GWh of electricity annually. Part of ESM’s system is the cogeneration gas power plant KOGEL, consisting of 10 gas engines with a total electric capacity of about 30 MW and the ability to generate around 26 MW of thermal power. Since April 2022, the first photovoltaic power plant—FE Oslomej 1—has also been operational, with nameplate capacity of 10 MW. FE Oslomej 1 is the first solar power plant in Southeast Europe built on the site of a former coal mine.

AD ESM is fully aware that its success depends on its employees, who are responsible and carry out their tasks in a timely and high-quality manner. That is why the company prioritizes continuous employee education through various trainings, workshops, and seminars, encourages an innovative approach to work, and receives in return the professionalism, dedication, loyalty, and accountability of its workforce.