Electricity and Control June 2023

RESKILLING, UPSKILLING + TRAINING

Skills programme for women in the Just Energy Transition

I n April, the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) and Power Africa, a US government initiative coordinated by USAID, launched the Electrical Engineering in Renewable Energy (RE) Specialisation Skills Development Programme, in Standerton, Mpumalanga. With this specialised skills programme, the partnership between EWSETA and Power Africa aims to contribute to the inclusive participation of women in the Just Energy Transition (JET). To support a more productive, competitive and sustain able economy, EWSETA focuses on equipping the country’s workforce with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the new economic landscape where decarbonisation is a major driver in upskilling the workforce. The newly launched programme supports 100 young, unemployed women learners, and 15 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college lecturers from Gert Sibande, Nkangala and Ehlanzeni, to undergo training towards achieving a National Certificate: Electrical Engineering: Renewable Energy, NQF Level 3. It is envisaged that on completion of the training programme, the participating women will have gained valuable RE-related skills and will have greater access to employment and career opportunities in the renewable energy sector. The inclusion of TVET college lecturers is a key component to the programme’s sustainability as these lecturers will be capacitated on the course curriculum so that they, in turn, can train future cohorts of learners to equip them with knowledge of today’s new renewable energy technologies. “As part of our strategy to implement learning pro grammes and initiatives that benefit the sector in the long run, partnerships remain our key delivery mechanism for relevant, new skills development,” says Mpho Mookapele, CEO of EWSETA. “Our response to the JET stands on three pillars: upskilling/reskilling the current workforce, strength ening and capacitating the Post School Education and Training (PSET) system, and ensuring that inclusive eco nomic participation is realised among the most vulnerable members of communities – being youth and women. This programme is a testament to how collaboration between committed partners can ensure that no one is left behind in the country’s energy transition.” To meet its Paris Agreement commitments, South Africa is working on several mitigation measures to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and achieve its low-carbon development imperatives. Access to electricity is a major concern for South Africa and this programme aligns well with the country’s aims to transform the electricity sector to achieve long-term energy security. David Thompson, Acting Coordinator for Power Africa said at the launch: “The scale of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition presents the scope to redistribute resources and opportunities, opening up the potential for better pathways for women in the renewable energy sector. I want to

recognise the women here today for being at the forefront of this transition.” Data obtained from the industry indicates that the current workforce in the energy sector is still predominately male, specifically at mid-level and senior management. The new skills training programme is aimed at ensuring women’s economic inclusion and equal participation in the JET. Additionally, the move to upskill and capacitate this first cohort of women with this qualification will have a significant impact on the regional economy of Mpumalanga as new green technologies are being introduced to complement existing economic activities and opening new areas of opportunity. “Given the need for the JET, proactive measures like this will ensure Mpumalanga can integrate RE technologies into its green economy strategy and has a workforce capacitated to respond with relevant skills,” says Mookapele. “In addition, women who are currently employed in the energy and other sectors will be able to upskill and adapt to these new green technologies.” The RE sector offers more than just upskilling and reskilling – it offers opportunities for investors, financiers, developers, component manufacturers, and suppliers. TVET colleges in Mpumalanga must not be left behind as the province embarks on decarbonisation initiatives, including reskilling and upskilling coal-fired power plant employees. TVET colleges are well placed to provide the new skills training required for the future clean energy generation workforce. The opportunities emerging require semi-skilled and skilled workers and artisans as well as entrepreneurs in the RE sector. “With this partnership and programme we aim to forge an optimistic future for Mpumalanga’s women in the RE sector,” concludes Mookapele. The new RE skills training programme supports the inclusive participation of women in the Just Energy Transition.

For more information visit: www.ewseta.org.za

JUNE 2023 Electricity + Control

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