Lesufi’s programme will create bright solar future for pupils

Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi says the introduction of the solar installation training programme will be crucial for young people to acquire sustainable and permanent jobs.

In a response to the country’s energy crisis and youth unemployment, the Gauteng provincial government, in partnership with the Manufacturing, Engineering, and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority, have established a training and skills development programme aimed at empowering young people with skills in the energy sector.

Training and skills development programme

According to Lesufi, the project will be implemented over a three-year period with an intake of 6 000 pupils, and contribute the skills to work on solar farms. The total investment of the training programme has been set at R175 million.

Applicants must have matriculated from a Gauteng school after 2016. N3+ electrical qualification from a technical vocational education and training college or technical matric will be an added advantage.

The students will be given a stipend of R4 000 for the duration of the training and completion would result in solar photovoltaic (PV) installer qualification.

“Ideally, applicants must also have an interest in a career in energy efficiency, electrical work, and the green economy sector,” Lesufi said. “We are appointing them permanently – and if permanently is not sustainable then I do not know. All I know is that we mean business and we are committed the project will go beyond.”

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The programme was first mentioned in his State of the Province Address this year and Lesufi said this move had been further discussed at the province’s inaugural Energy Expo.

“The expo saw various captains of industry in the energy and finance sector converge under one roof to discuss ways to turn the energy crisis into a new economy for the province, while creating much-needed employment opportunities for the youth,” he said.

Lesufi said the Quantec and Trade Map, which provided economic and financial data, revealed in 2022 that South Africa had imported R5.6 billion worth of solar panels and modules, as well as batteries.

“In the first quarter of 2023, South Africa imported R3.6 billion worth of solar panels, batteries and modules. Ideally, these should be manufactured locally. This does, however, attest to the need for installation, maintenance and repair skills,” he said.

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Lesufi added the training would provide students with credit-bearing programmes on solar photovoltaic micrograms and would cover areas such as installation, maintenance and repair of different aspects related to solar energy, concentrating on hybrid SPV systems.

“The training will also provide [students] with business and entrepreneurial skills designed to help them to start new businesses in the growing energy sector,” he said.

Solar project praised

Energy expert Ruse Moleshe said it was a good initiative and a positive development to train the youth as solar technicians.

“It would even be more beneficial if local manufacturing capacity could be developed and sustained to facilitate the growth of the industry and opportunities for youth employment,” she said.

SA Photovoltaic Industry Association (Sapvia) chief executive Rethabile Melamu said this was an exciting programme because the sector struggled with skills. Sapvia, a member-led organisation, promoted collaboration and sharing of best practices in the solar PV industry.

Melamu said when people sought solar systems in their households, they had to wait for two to three months – the main reason being the shortage of skills.

“These 6 000 … in the next three years will make a huge difference,” she said. “We are trying to avoid fly-by-nights and collapsing roofs. We are trying to make sure those coming in are properly skilled and accredited.”