Gauteng Skills and Training for Solar Technicians Application 2023 (R4000 Stipend)
The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG), in partnership with the Manufacturing, Engineering,
and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) have established a training and skills development programme aimed at empowering young people with skills in the
energy sector.
The programme is in response to the country’s energy crisis and youth unemployment. The programme was first mentioned in the February 2023 State of the Province Address wherein the Premier outlined the Gauteng Government’s intention to ensure that young people are trained, skilled, and equipped in the energy space. This was further discussed at the province’s inaugural Energy Expo which 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 whilst creating much-needed employment opportunities for the youth.
The skills gap in the sector
According to Quantec and Trade Map, which provides Economic and Financial Data, in 2022, South
Africa 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.
South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA), a member-led organisation that promotes collaboration and sharing of best practices in the Solar PV Industry, recently commissioned
the CSIR to produce a Solar PV Industry Jobs Report. The purpose of the study was to look at the
number and the types of job opportunities, created by Solar PV Deployment in South Africa. The
Report indicated that all forms of renewable energy, including Hydro, Gas, wind – Solar PV deployment had the highest job growth potential.
What the training will entail
The training will provide learners with credit-bearing programmes on solar photovoltaic microgrids. The training will 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 learners with business and entrepreneurial skills designed to help them to start new businesses in the
growing energy sector.
The training programme will have 2 elements, the first being basic and is for the installation, maintenance and repair of the different aspects related to solar energy, focusing on hybrid SPV systems.
The second element is for a more advanced and will be targeted to youth who want to embark on
a green economy-related career. It will lead to an energy efficiency audit technician qualification
and will require a base level of study, i.e., BTech or equivalent. The qualification is authorised by the
sector and is an NQF level 5 qualification.
The duration of the Project and training
The Project will be implemented over a three-year period (36 months), with an intake of 6000
learners. These will not be trained all at once – they will be taken as different cohorts.
The project will provide both theoretical and practical or in-service training. The theoretical part
will be between 8-12 weeks to develop technical skills. This will be complemented by a 6-8 months’
work experiential learning, where candidates will be given practical work experience.
Qualification criteria
South African youth (under the age of 35 years) are eligible to apply and are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Applicants must have matriculated in a Gauteng school after 2016. N3+
electrical qualification from a TVET college, and/or technical matric is an added advantage. Ideally,
applicants must also have an interest in a career in energy efficiency, electrical work, and the green
economy sector.
The learners will be given a stipend of R4000 for the duration of the training.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
The application process commences on Monday 8 May and will close on 8 June 2023.
To Apply click GPG – merSETA Solar Installation Training Programme – Application Form
or Applicants can send their CV, ID copy, copy of qualification certificates, and proof of residence to:
Mobi site: SAyouth.mobi
Email address: [email protected]
PARTNERS ALREADY ON BOARD
• University of Johannesburg
• Ekurhuleni West TVET College
• Tshwane TVET College- pending accreditation
• SAPVIA – Industry Association
• SANDF
