A group of ten young women from the Nkangala Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, in Mpumalanga, have successfully completed a six-month internship programme at various solar plants owned by Enel Green Power across South Africa.

Organised by the RES4Africa Foundation within the framework of the Re-skilling Lab initiative and supported by Enel Green Power and the Energy and Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA), this programme ran from January 15 to June 15, offering the students hands-on technical experience in the renewable-energy sector.

RES4Africa says the primary objective of this internship was to equip students with practical, real-world skills, giving them a competitive edge as they prepare to enter the job market.

The foundation adds that students gained hands-on experience at Enel Green Power's solar plants in Paleisheuwel, Pulida, Adams and Upington.

“This participation in a cutting-edge industry is designed to enhance their confidence and technical competence, paving the way for successful careers in renewable energy,” it notes.

On June 5, a special visit to the Paleisheuwel solar plant located in South Africa's Western Cape province was hosted by Enel Green Power and RES4Africa and was conducted by a delegation from Nkangala TVET College.

The purpose of the visit was to strengthen ties and discuss the successes and challenges of the internship programme. During the visit, the delegation witnessed first-hand the progress and accomplishments of their students, emphasising the practical impact of the internship.

RES4Africa says the discussions highlighted the programme’s successes and challenges, fostering stronger ties between Nkangala TVET College and Enel Green Power.

It adds that the internship has attracted attention from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) as a potential model to address the increasing need for renewable-energy skills across South Africa.

To assess the programme's success and its impact on the students, a comprehensive survey has been launched, capturing the students' own views and feedback from their tutors.

This survey is aimed at understanding how prepared these participants feel to tackle the job market and how they can best leverage their newly acquired skills.

Students provided insights into their enhanced technical abilities, increased confidence in handling solar technologies, and their readiness to engage with potential employers.

Tutors evaluated the students' progress, adaptability and overall performance during the internship.

RES4Africa says the success of this internship programme not only benefits the students, but also contributes to the broader goal of developing skilled professionals in the renewable-energy industry.

“By providing these young women with such opportunities, we are fostering a new generation of experts who will drive the future of sustainable energy in South Africa,” it says.

Beyond their technical training, the foundation says these young women are set to play a crucial role in an awareness campaign by Nkangala TVET College, explaining that they will share their experiences to inspire and prepare future students and the local community for careers in renewable energy, emphasising the preparation and commitment required in this field.

"At RES4Africa, we are dedicated to empowering young talent for Africa's renewable-energy future. The success of Nkangala TVET College students in this internship is a significant step in our mission to support sustainable development through education. Partnering with Enel Green Power, we are creating a model for vocational training that can be scaled across the continent.

“These young women are pioneers, and their achievements will inspire others and contribute to a more sustainable future for South Africa and beyond,” says RES4Africa Foundation secretary general Roberto Vigotti.

“We are incredibly proud of our students and their accomplishments during this internship.

“This experience is a testament to the importance of industry partnerships in providing our students with the practical knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their careers. We are grateful to EWSETA, RES4Africa and Enel Green Power South Africa for their unwavering support,” says Nkangala TVET College acting deputy principal: innovation and development Cyril Mazibuko.