The RE-skilling Lab enables ten lecturers to acquire the expertise needed to provide high-quality training to eager learners.

5 June 2023 — EWSETA, in partnership with RES4Africa and Nkangala TVET College, marks a significant milestone in the RE-skilling Lab program. The successful upskilling of ten lecturers from Nkangala TVET College equips them with the necessary knowledge and expertise to deliver high-quality education in the renewable energy sector.

The partnership between EWSETA, RES4Africa, and Nkangala TVET College is crucial as South Africa focuses on defining the necessary skills and implementing them to prevent communities from being left behind during the just energy transition. The collaboration emphasizes the importance of collective efforts between government, the private sector, and local and international partners to enable communities to participate in the green economy with the right knowledge and skills.

EWSETA applauds RES4Africa for working with their member industries to further support Nkangala TVET by significantly enhancing its training capacity in renewables. The state-of-the-art infrastructure, including inverter systems, photovoltaic panels, batteries, a wind turbine, and a solar pump, has bolstered Nkangala’s ability to provide comprehensive training that includes theoretical and practical exposure. As a result, Nkangala TVET can now issue accredited formal certifications to students undergoing training, recognized by the QCTO and EWSETA.

"With our progressive policies, emphasis on energy efficiency, and accessibility to renewable energy, we aim to achieve a just energy transition that guarantees a fair and sustainable future for all in South Africa," stated Candice Moodley, EWSETA’s  Corporate Services Executive, highlighting the importance of addressing poverty, inequality, and unemployment through reskilling and upskilling strategies and the capacitation of local communities through a strengthened Public Education and Training system.

As part of its commitment to fostering upskilling and re-skilling in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sector, EWSETA acknowledges the vital role of lecturers in training learners and emphasizes the integration of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and entrepreneurship modules into the TVET curriculum to ensure the delivery of high-quality training that will not only lead to greater employability prospects but to self-employment. EWSETA has also awarded the college an internship for 25 electrical students for 18 months.

Says Linky Nhlabathi, Electrical Lecturer (NCV) from the Nkangala TVET college, “The Renewable energy course on PV Solar Energy was a great experience. It is one of the skills that are relevant and responding to the needs of our community and the country, especially during this crisis of load shedding.

My attitude and my lessons have changed in a way that I am enjoying my own teaching.

 I would like to encourage students and qualified electricians, especially females, to integrate the Renewable Energy course with the electrical trade as there are many employment opportunities available, which will also contribute to our economy.”

Industry experts are encouraged by EWSETA to closely collaborate with SETAs and TVETs, leveraging their expertise in curriculum reviews and the development of new qualifications. Moreover, the organization invites industry partners to provide valuable work-integrated learning opportunities, such as internships, for TVET learners. Additionally, EWSETA supports the creation of practical training environments and workshops within TVET institutions to further enhance the learning experience.

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EWSETA, RES4Africa, and Nkangala TVET College emphasize the potential of renewables in South Africa, particularly in Mpumalanga. They encourage open dialogue between lecturers and industry representatives to further emphasize the importance of pursuing careers in the renewable energy field and the abundant opportunities it presents.

EWSETA affirmed its commitment to providing continuous support to the Re-Skilling Lab as they move into the second phase of training the learners.

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About EWSETA

EWSETA is a skills development authority serving the energy and water sectors. It is one of 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) established in South Africa in terms of the Skills Development Act of 1998 – amended. It plays a crucial function in ensuring that the National Skills and Development Strategy is executed within the energy and water sectors.

The fundamental areas of focus of the EWSETA are energy, renewable energy, gas, and water services sector, as determined by the Honourable Minister of Higher Education and Training in terms of section 9(2) of the SDA, read in conjunction with Government Gazette No 33756, RG 9417, No. R1055 of 11 November 2010.

www.ewseta.or.za

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For further information about EWSETA, please contact.
Candice Moodley
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