Recognising the critical importance of upskilling to drive economic growth and address skills shortages in the renewable energy sector, Klipheuwel Wind Farm has launched its inaugural Wind Turbine Technician Training Programme.
Among the first cohort of participants is Bonga Kosani (33) from Riviersonderend, one of over a 100 young electricians who applied for this opportunity.
“With a strong interest in engineering and renewable energy, Bonga has been working as an assistant wind turbine technician in the same region and sees this programme as a key step towards becoming fully qualified and advancing his career in the sector,” the spokesperson of the Klipheuwel Wind Farm said.
“The opportunity to train as a wind turbine service technician means that I can contribute to reducing load shedding, which is a significant challenge in our country, and play a role in producing clean energy,” said Kosani. “This course will also enhance my understanding of environmental protection within a wind farm, going beyond just electricity generation to consider the broader impacts of renewable energy production. It’s a step towards becoming a skilled technician in the years to come,” he added.
According to the spokesperson the programme, aimed at upskilling local youth and meeting the growing demand for skilled technicians in South Africa’s renewable energy sector, officially commenced last month. “Bonga is part of a cohort of 12 electricians currently undertaking this full-time course, which includes both theoretical and practical learning components presented over a six-month period,” the spokesperson said.
The training is developed by the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC), a division of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), and leads to an accredited Quality Council of Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Occupational Certificate: Wind Turbine Service Technician.
The Wind Turbine Technician Training Programme is open to applicants from communities surrounding Klipheuwel Wind Farm, including Botriver, Caledon, Grabouw, Gardendale, Tesselaarsdal, Riviersonderend, and Villiersdorp.
