- A new platform designed to ensure that South Africa’s renewable energy workforce is equipped with the right skills to meet industry needs is being launched today.
- The PowerUp platform is a catalytic intervention of the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan, connecting industry with training institutions and facilitating the development of new qualifications.
- It is a central platform aimed at addressing critical skills gaps and creating pathways to employment within the renewable energy value chain.
The development of PowerUp has been made possible through the close collaboration of ecosystem partners from industry, academia and government, supported by the United Kingdom Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT) Programme.
Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Maré said: “PowerUp is a great example of effective public-private collaboration to drive job creation and economic growth in South Africa, by ensuring that South Africa’s workforce is future-ready. It furthers the collaborative ethos of the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM), which emphasises skills availability as a catalytic focal area to unlocking the growth potential of the renewable energy sector. SAREM is due for final adoption by cabinet, but its implementation will need continuous collaboration and working partnerships. I’m excited to see such a critical aspect of SAREM addressed through the PowerUp platform, and I would like to encourage everyone to be an active participant in its success. Let’s show both the youth of South Africa and the renewable energy sector that we are serious about their future.”
Who should get involved?
- Industry leaders: Shape the workforce of tomorrow by providing skill needs and participating in skills matchmaking.
- PSET institutions: Align curricula with industry needs and open doors to workplace training for students.
- SETAs and funders: Unlock funding opportunities and drive impactful training initiatives and registration of new qualifications and recognised skills programs.
For more information or to get involved, see https://ewseta.org.za/power-up/
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
