Gauteng to train 6 000 people to become solar panel installers

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is doing his bit to tackle youth unemployment and has launched a project to train 6000 young people from different parts of the province, through his solar panel installers learnership programme.

The project was launched on May 4, at the Premier’s office in Midrand and is in partnership with the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Merseta).

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This project comes in the backdrop of a promise made by Lesufi during his State Of the Province Address in February this year and will start bearing fruits soon.

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According to Lesufi, the project is also aimed at responding to the energy crisis that is grappling different parts of the country. He said that this will ensure that young people who are unemployed are trained and skilled efficiently.

“We want our young people to be assured of opportunities in the province, which is why every fortnight until the end of June, we will be announcing with training offers until we reach the target of 6 000 young people.

“Gauteng cannot be the City of Gold while our youth go through pain and suffering. We are excited about this project as it will propel them into greater heights,” said Lesufi who added that the trainees will receive an allowance of between R4 000 and R7 000, depending on their qualifications.

To qualify for the solar panel programme, the youth must be South African residents under the age of 35.

They will undergo training for 12 months and the project will last 36 months where the learners will be taken at different cohorts.

The project will provide theoretical, practical, as well as in-service training. The theoretical part will be between eight to 12 weeks to develop technical skills.

This will be complemented by six to eight months of experiential learning, when candidates will be given practical work experience.

Applications are set to open on May 8 and close on June 8.

Applications can be sent to GCRA.wfd@gauteng.gov.za /SAYouth.Mobi

They can also dial *134*47472# which is free of charge.