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STAFF REPORTER
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 emphasises 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 proper 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 recognised 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 emphasises 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 more excellent 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 load-shedding crisis.
“My attitude and my lessons have changed in a way that I am enjoying my teaching.
I want 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 collaborate closely with SETAs and TVETs, leveraging their expertise in curriculum reviews and the development of new qualifications. Moreover, the organisation invites industry partners to provide valuable work-integrated learning opportunities, such as internships, for TVET learners.
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