South Africa’s renewable-energy sector takes a significant leap forward with the launch of PowerUp, a South African first, online platform designed to equip the country’s workforce with the skills required to meet industry demands.

Developed as a key initiative under the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM), PowerUp connects industry stakeholders with training institutions, facilitates the development of new qualifications, and addresses critical skills shortages. 

PowerUp is a joint initiative spearheaded by key stakeholders.

These include the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA); GreenCape; the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA); the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA); Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA); Trade & Industry Policy Strategies (TIPS); Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO); and others, with the United Kingdom Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT) Programme as the development funder.

EWSETA says the platform fosters collaboration between industry, academia and government and creates pathways to employment within the renewable energy value chain.

It says the initiative brings together key industry players, academia, and government representatives to ensure that South Africa’s renewable-energy workforce is future-ready.

The platform was launched at an event hosted by EWSETA and GreenCape on March 4, and its impact was further highlighted at the Africa Energy Indaba’s Energy and Investment Hub.

British High Commissioner Antony Phillipson expressed his enthusiasm that UK PACT has contributed to the development of PowerUp and highlighted the platform as a vital initiative to equip South Africa’s renewable-energy industry with much-needed skills to push the industry forward.

“By engaging key stakeholders, PowerUp will help ensure the availability of skills for job opportunities in the green industry sector, foster greater collaboration between academia and industry, and identify inclusive opportunities for youth and workers in transitioning regions.”

EWSETA CEO Mpho Mookapele highlighted the rapid expansion of South Africa’s green economy and its role in driving a just transition, local capacity building, and inclusive economic participation.

“Success for PowerUp is not only measured by the number of users on the system, but by the moment a technical and vocational education and training (TVET) graduate completes their qualification and enters the job market equipped with relevant, in-demand skills that are made possible through the collaboration between PowerUp and industry,” she said.

She further emphasised that another key measure of success for the SETA would be the platform’s impact across various industries.

“We are striving to achieve the objectives of the National Skills Development Plan 2030, which aims to establish a credible mechanism for determining the demand for skills in South Africa.”

Electricity and Energy Deputy Minister Samantha Graham-Maré commended PowerUp as an exemplary model of public-private collaboration aimed at driving job creation and economic growth.

“This innovative new platform aligns with the collaborative ethos of the SAREM, which prioritises skills development as a key driver in unlocking the growth potential of the renewable-energy sector.”

Graham-Maré added that the SAREM is awaiting final Cabinet adoption, but its success will depend on continuous collaboration and strong partnerships.

"I am excited to see such a critical aspect of SAREM being addressed through PowerUp, and I encourage all stakeholders to actively participate and demonstrate our commitment to the future of South Africa’s youth and the renewable-energy sector,” she said.

Mookapele urged industry leaders, post-school education and training (PSET) institutions, SETAs and key funders to actively and strategically drive the initiative forward.         

"Industry leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the workforce by identifying critical skills that are in demand and nurturing much-needed talent. PSET institutions can align curricula with industry needs while SETAs and funders unlock resources for impactful training. Together, we can build a skilled, future-ready workforce to drive South Africa’s renewable-energy sector,” she concluded.

PowerUp steering committee members include the Council on Higher Education; the Department of Higher Education and Training; the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy; EWSETA; GreenCape South Africa; merSETA; the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers; the Presidential Climate Commission; the QCTO; SAPVIA; SAWEA; TIPS; UK PACT; and Yes4Youth.