Professional body for education and skills development in South Africa, Chemical Industries Education & Training Sector Authority (CHIETA), has received approval from the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations for the launch of South Africa’s “first-ever” green hydrogen qualifications.

These qualifications aim to pioneer a qualification framework that can be implemented nationwide and in neighbouring countries to create a hydrogen-driven economy, says CHIETA CEO Yershen Pillay.

This will be achieved through targeted education and training programmes for workforces operating in the hydrogen sector, including initiatives for hydrogen production, storage, transport and associated technologies.

“As part of CHIETA’s Vision 2025 strategy, the programmes are designed to create a pipeline of talent capable of supporting renewable-energy integration, hydrogen production and low-emissions operations.”

The green hydrogen qualification programmes will also equip workforces with practical skills and theoretical knowledge to conduct tasks associated with the hydrogen sector.

Pillay adds that graduates can pursue careers in electrolysis and renewable energy system integration, environmental monitoring and impact assessment, green hydrogen production and plant operations, hydrogen storage and distribution, as well as safety and compliance roles at industrial hydrogen facilities.

This will, in turn, contribute to ensuring an efficient and effective infrastructure for hydrogen sector players and companies, as well as bolster development for the country’s energy transition.

“Green hydrogen is not just a fuel – it’s an opportunity for economic renewal, industrial resilience and climate leadership. “Through our Vision 2025 strategy, CHIETA has identified hydrogen as a national priority early on.”

Pillay adds that CHIETA will launch smart skills centres, provide bursaries and learnerships, and promote hydrogen awareness campaigns to address the challenges of affordability concerns, geographical gaps in training infrastructure and a lack of awareness about career paths in the hydrogen sector.

Consequently, employment opportunities will be created for interested candidates wanting to pursue a career in chemicals, energy, manufacturing and transport. Companies will reap the benefits of environmental, social and governance goals at various operations, as workers will be equipped to operate hydrogen-related materials and processes efficiently and safely, in addition to helping to reduce the companies’ carbon emissions.

Further, the qualifications will enable various operations to facilitate decarbonisation in sectors such as ammonia production, freight and logistics, heavy industry and power generation plants.

“These CHIETA-developed qualifications prepare South Africans for real-world jobs in operating hydrogen plants, managing logistics, performing maintenance, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.”

Pillay is calling for various industry stakeholders to collaborate in building a skilled hydrogen workforce to ensure a seamless and just energy transition for South Africa.

“We invite private-sector partners, training providers and public stakeholders to join us in building a skilled, inclusive workforce for South Africa’s green hydrogen revolution,” he concludes.