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Global climate changes, greenhouse gas emissions and reduced sources of traditional fossil fuels are one of the most serious environmental problems of the present time. This fact was the starting point for Directive 2009/28/EC, which defined two objectives in the area of renewable energy sources (RES): the mandatory 20 per cent share of RES in gross final energy consumption in the European community; and the mandatory 10 per cent share of RES in transport, which all member states must achieve by 2020. In 2011 the share of renewable energy sources in total energy production in the European Union (EU) was 13 per cent. Promoting the use of renewable sources for electricity, heat, hot water, as well as promoting the use of biomass energy and construction of energy efficient buildings brings, in addition to environmental benefits, the development of innovative technologies, the transition to an energy-efficient economy and an increase in employment opportunities. Development in clean technologies is strategic not only in terms of ecology, but they have a significant impact on economic development and employment. Supported by the European Commission, this paper presents an analysis of training needs in clean technologies, RES and through the Leonardo da Vincis’ projects - AVARES and C-TEST - to show how to increase the attractiveness and accessibility of vocational education and training (VET) for employees in the agricultural sector in the EU.

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