A new program will train 120 young South Africans in solar installations, targeting unemployed youth and small business owners in the renewable energy sector. This initiative aims to enhance employment and support business growth.
100 Youths and 20 Small Businesses
Nepoworx, a renewable energy skills development agency — in partnership with Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator — has unveiled the inaugural Youth Work Readiness Programme focused on solar installations. The programme is aimed at empowering 120 young South Africans.
Training 120 young South Africans in solar energy to boost employment and support renewable energy growth.
The program is designed for 100 young individuals aged 18 to 35 who are not engaged in employment, education, or training (NEET), and 20 small business owners in the electrical or renewable energy sector who are poised for growth and capable of hiring additional young workers.
In a media release, Harambee and Nepoworx announced that the program seeks to promote innovation in this expanding industry while empowering young people within it.
They also mentioned that the program aims to bridge the gap between education and employment by providing participants with work readiness, workplace exposure, and practical skills through a hybrid training model. This approach is designed to ensure that young professionals are "job-ready" and prepared for long-term career success in the energy sector.
Addressing Youth Unemployment
Nonjabulo Sokhela, the CEO and co-founder of Nepoworx South Africa, emphasized that this partnership is a major advancement in their mission to empower young South Africans. By equipping them with essential skills and opportunities, the initiative addresses the pressing issue of youth unemployment and supports the sustainable growth of the energy sector.
"This relationship is an important step forward in our mission to empower young South Africans. By equipping them with the essential skills and opportunity, we not only address the crucial issue of youth unemployment but also contribute to the long-term development of our energy sector.” Nonjabulo Sokhela says, "We believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, and this programme demonstrates that commitment.”
After finishing their training, the 100 participants will be assigned to various employment sectors for a 12-month internship, providing them with practical work experience. Following this, the 100 unemployed youth and the 20 small business owners will be awarded a PV Green Card, which certifies their qualifications as solar installers.
Harambee's chief impact officer, Sharmi Surianarain expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Nepoworx. He highlighted that the partnership furthers their mission to create entry-level job opportunities in emerging sectors. Surianarain noted that the hybrid model is especially important because it aids both job seekers and small business owners, making both the formal and informal sectors viable options for young people.
“We are delighted about the relationship between Nepoworx and Harambee since it expands our objective to create entry-level jobs in emerging and developing industries. This hybrid model is particularly crucial because it encourages work seekers and small company owners, establishing both the official and informal sectors as viable possibilities for young people,” remarked Surianarain.
Both the Trainees and the Employers Gain
The companies state that the partnership will benefit both trainees and employers. They highlight that participating companies will have access to a pool of eager and motivated learners prepared to make a significant impact in their roles. This initiative not only supports the growth of the South African workforce but also helps reduce youth unemployment rates.
Employers and recruiters in the energy sector are encouraged to join this initiative and become part of a network committed to shaping the industry's future. The 120 beneficiaries are invited to submit their applications through the SA Youth platform.
The application link is currently open for the 20 small, medium-sized, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), while the link for the 100 unemployed youth will open in the next few weeks.
The partnership between Nepoworx and Harambee aims to empower 120 young South Africans through solar installation training, fostering employment and supporting small business growth in the renewable energy sector. This initiative promises to equip participants with essential skills and certifications, positioning them for meaningful contributions to South Africa's workforce and economic development.