The Western Cape Government has started a Solar Photovoltaic Technician certification pilot project at West Coast College under the Premier’s Council on Skills.
According to the Western Cape government website, the project was motivated by a period of load shedding, which served as a reminder to address South Africa’s energy crisis immediately and decisively.
The qualification, which will be offered at multiple Technical Vocational Education and Training colleges, focuses on solar panel manufacture, installation, and maintenance.
Provincial Economic Opportunities Minister Mireille Wenger said the program will provide students with the skills they need to contribute to the province’s effort toward a green economy.
Wenger adds, “Any measurement of success of a transition to a green economy must include investing in the right talent pipelines that meet the needs of a cleaner and greener future. We cannot hope to take full advantage of the immense potential of a green economy if we do not invest in the right qualifications, the right skills and the right experience for jobs available now and in the future.”
Numerous benefits
Many benefits of launching the programme is that learners will become “work-ready” before the first workplace assignment; and able to contribute to the business; the learners will benefit from high-quality teaching in the latest PV technology infrastructure and employers will receive a “hosting stipend” to pay the learners.
According to Wenger, solar PV is part of the Western Cape Government’s push toward a green economy. “We have a strong green economy ecosystem,… We are working hard to cultivate this.” she adds.
