For young people shut out of traditional education and training, solar power is opening a new route into the job market.

Through its free, accredited solar training programme, the Salesian Institute Youth Projects (SIYP), based in Green Point, is equipping young people with practical skills while helping them move from the classroom to renewable-energy projects and, in some cases, permanent employment.

The solar programme forms part of SIYP’s NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training) programme, which gives young people who have not completed high school or who have been unable to access further education and training a second chance to develop formal skills and pursue employment, further education or entrepreneurship.

SIYP currently offers two solar training pathways: Solar PV Mounter and Solar PV Installer.

The Solar Mounter programme focuses on the practical and mechanical aspects of solar installation, including mounting panels, positioning equipment and cable routing.

The more advanced Solar Installer programme includes training in batteries, inverters, electrical connections and more complex installation requirements.

SIYP provides the training from entry level, opening the renewable-energy sector to young people who may not have the academic qualifications or previous industry experience required by conventional training institutions.

Building skills

Establishing the programme has required significant investment in infrastructure, equipment, training materials and specialised workshop facilities, with SIYP investing more than R1 million in its solar training infrastructure.

The solar programmes have also undergone an extensive accreditation process, enabling learners to work towards recognised qualifications and assessments within the renewable-energy sector.

SIYP aims to train approximately 60 young people each year, including 40 Solar Mounters and 20 Solar Installers.

The training is offered free of charge to learners, creating an opportunity for young people who would otherwise struggle to afford technical training.

But the programme does not stop in the classroom.

Learners complete theoretical and practical training, including working-at-heights training, medical assessments, first aid and simulated solar installation work before progressing to workplace experiential training.

Into the workplace

The first cohort of Solar PV Mounter learners is already demonstrating the impact of the programme.

Two learners, Kelli-Kim Akim and Chenecka Fondling, were selected for Workplace Experiential Training at Fruitpak packaging company in Ashton, on a Lesedi-initiated contract site.

They joined a nine-person team installing 1 080 solar panels on the Fruitpak packaging warehouse rooftop.

The placement has also highlighted the role women can play in the renewable-energy sector, with Akim and Fondling contributing alongside their male colleagues on the installation team.

Lesedi is currently building teams of solar mounters and installers for new renewable-energy projects, creating the potential for further employment opportunities for SIYP graduates.

For Rico-Che Marinus, the journey from training to employment is already becoming a reality.

He is now working for a subcontractor involved in Newinbosch, a major new residential development in Stellenbosch.

Marinus’ role provides valuable hands-on industry experience, allowing him to apply the technical skills he gained through the Salesian Institute Youth Projects’ solar programme in a real-world working environment.

From training to jobs

For Tobin Collins, the programme has already resulted in a permanent career.

Originally from Atlantis, Collins joined SIYP’s solar course determined to enter the renewable-energy sector despite significant personal and economic challenges.

He travelled approximately 2.5 hours each day to attend training and quickly distinguished himself through his practical ability, leadership and commitment to helping his fellow learners.

Collins also lives with a speech impairment, but this has not prevented him from becoming a respected leader among his peers.

His determination to create a better future for himself and his family saw him take on additional work tutoring young people and running a small T-shirt printing business while completing his studies.

Matthew Ridley of New Planet Energy said SIYP learners arrive at work sites well prepared for workplace exposure.

“The Salesian learners come to our sites well prepared for workplace exposure – having completed a medical assessment, having done a Basic First Aid course as well as the Working at Heights Certificated course. This enables them to get into the actual practicals from the minute they get to site. They also have been adequately exposed to the components of the solar system, and thus understand the instructions issued by the site supervisor. It makes our job of guiding them so much easier!”

Collins’ performance at SIYP led to an internship at a steel plant in Kuils River, where the company recognised his dedication, problem-solving ability, safety awareness and hands-on installation skills.

The internship subsequently resulted in permanent employment, with Collins appointed on a competitive salary and taking responsibility for managing the new solar system being installed at the plant.

For more information visit https://salesianyouth.org/ or call 021 425 1450

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