Johannesburg, 30 September 2024 – A run-down residential property in Benoni has been transformed into a cutting-edge energy training centre, offering vital skills and job opportunities to Africans.
A German delegation with the Energy and Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA) visited the world-class facility, the Institute of Energy Professionals Africa (IEPA) International Energy Training Centre in Rynfield, Benoni. The IEPA Training Centre was launched in February this year, with the focus on Energy Training programmes and ultimately job opportunities for South African Youth.
“Our partnership with IEPA and other stakeholders, including GIZ is delivering positive results, with over 200 young South Africans, who have been trained and employed in sustainable energy careers,” said Robyn Vilakazi, EWSETA Skills Delivery and Quality Assurance Executive.
“The anecdotes of individuals who have gained meaningful employment and started successful entrepreneurship initiatives after participating in IEPA’s world-class training sessions were particularly indicative of the impact of this work. We are committed to supporting the expansion of IEPA’s work nationwide,” Vilakazi added.
Vilakazi emphasised that EWSETA is committed to building a more competitive and sustainable economy by equipping South Africans with the skills required for a decarbonised future.
State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Action at the Federal Foreign Office in Germany, Jennifer Morgan, and officials, including Oda Muhr, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection; Elisa Oezbek, of the International Climate Policy, and Dipak Patel, South Africa’s Head of Climate Finance and Innovation for the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) also visited the centre.
IEPA has played a key role in skills development for 22 years. “This project has been a dream realised, marking the beginning of our journey toward creating a fully equipped centre with three classrooms and a dedicated workshop space,” said IEPA CEO Yolanda de Lange.
Welcoming German state officials and representatives of the Department of Higher Education and the Climate Commission in the Presidency, De Lange said the centre offers students a career path development for employment in the energy sector.
De Lange emphasised that the centre will play a crucial role in supporting South Africa’s economic and energy transition through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Stakeholder engagements. It will focus on identifying and addressing the future skills needs in the labour market, as well as the employment implications of the Just Energy Transition process. While jobs in carbon-intensive sectors may be lost, she highlighted the emerging opportunities in green industries, highlighting the importance of training to meet the new skills demands.
“The project seeks to improve the employment prospects of young South Africans in a sustainable and increasingly decarbonised economy. Skills development must be part of an integrated approach for sustainable employment.” she said.
The centre aims to create opportunities for young people and SMMEs to access employment in low-carbon sectors.
“We are committed to meaningful quality career path development services,” she concluded.
A student at the centre, Shallot Magabe, said he was excited about career opportunities and is optimistic that the qualification and training received would take him far. The IEPA training centre represents a beacon of sustainability, innovation and energy efficiency.
IEPA’s need for their own building, was a demonstration of environmental contribution to showcase environmental affordability, semi-independence in basic services (water and energy), and reducing reliance on external sources. The building serves as an asset, providing financial security and stability for IEPA.
ENDS.
About EWSETA
EWSETA is a leading player in the Energy and Water sector, committed to driving sustainable growth and development. With a focus on innovation and community empowerment, we strive to create a brighter future for all South Africans.
EWSETA is a skills development authority serving the energy and water sectors. It is one of 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) established in South Africa in terms of the Skills Development Act of 1998 – amended. It plays a crucial function in ensuring that the National Skills and Development Strategy is executed within the energy and water sectors.
The fundamental areas of focus of the EWSETA are energy, renewable energy, gas, and water services sector in terms of section 9(2) of the SDA, read in conjunction with Government Gazette No 33756, RG 9417, No. R1055 of 11 November 2010.
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About IEPA International Energy Training Centre
The Institute of Energy Professionals Africa (IEPA): where expertise meets excellence in the energy sector. As a leading organisation dedicated to advancing the skills and knowledge of energy professionals across the continent, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive training, industry-recognised certification, and turnkey skills management solutions.
