Gauteng Provincial Government Launches New Training Programme to Boost Technical and Renewable Energy Skills
The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) and the Manufacturing, Engineering, and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) have partnered to launch a new training and skills development programme to help inexperienced young people learn technical, green, and renewable energy skills.
The goal of the programme is to provide young people with the necessary training and tools in the energy sector so that they can become more employable, start new businesses in the growing energy industry, and support energy-efficient efforts in the region.
What is the goal of this Programme?
The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) hopes to train around 6 000 young people in the installation, maintenance, and repair of different aspects of solar energy.
The project aims to provide learners with both business and entrepreneurial skills to grow the energy sector, which is worth over R172.5 million.
The goal is to produce skilled human capital to aid the manufacturing sector’s growth while simultaneously addressing the country’s energy crisis.
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It aims to register with the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) and acquire Green Card status after completing the course.
Who is Eligible for the Program?
This program is available for young South Africans aged under 35 who have matriculated from a Gauteng school after 2016, with an electrical qualification from a TVET college.
Applicants should be interested in a career in electrical work, energy efficiency, and the green economy sector. The programme will offer a stipend for the learners that can range between R4000 to R 7000, depending on their qualifications.
What is the Program’s Schedule?
This project will be conducted over three years (36 months), and there will be an initial intake of 6,000 learners.
These learners will be taken as different-size cohorts. The project’s primary goal is to educate 25 000 learners over the three-year programme, with a staggered approach to delivery, attracting young people from Gauteng’s townships, informal settlements, and hostels.
The young people will receive training in both theoretical and practical or in-service learning and will be given practical work experience during the 6-8 months of work experiential learning.
What are the Benefits of Solar Energy, and What Progress has been made thus far?
Solar energy is a clean and environmentally friendly renewable energy source that produces no CO2 emissions since the sun fuels it.
Gauteng has ideal conditions for solar power generation in the region, and with the worsening energy crisis in South Africa, solar energy has become increasingly relevant.
According to Quantec and Trade Map, South Africa imported R5.6 billion worth of solar panels, modules, and batteries in 2022. MerSETA CEO Disa Mpande says these should ideally be manufactured locally.
As the sector struggles with skills, the 6 000 planned learners will make a big difference; according to SAPVIA CEO Dr Rethabile Melamu, “we welcome them.”
How to Apply?
Applicants can send applications to SAyouth via the website, www.sayouth.mobi, from 8 May to 8 June.
The qualification required is NQF 4, while N3+ electrical qualification from a TVET college or technical matric is an added advantage.