EWSETA Joins German Delegation at World-Class Energy Training Centre
Submitted by: Bridget Bennett
Johannesburg, 30 September 2024 – A run-down residential property in Benoni has been transformed into a cutting-edge energy training centre, offering crucial skills and job opportunities to Africans.
A German delegation, along 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. Launched in February this year, the IEPA Training Centre focuses on Energy Training programmes and job opportunities for South African youth.
"Our partnership with IEPA and other stakeholders, including GIZ, is yielding positive results, with over 200 young South Africans trained and employed in sustainable energy careers," said Robyn Vilakazi, EWSETA Skills Delivery and Quality Assurance Executive.
Vilakazi emphasised the impact of IEPA's training programmes, which have enabled individuals to gain meaningful employment and start entrepreneurship initiatives. She added, “We are committed to supporting the expansion of IEPA's work nationwide.”
EWSETA’s Commitment to a Decarbonised Future
Vilakazi reiterated EWSETA's commitment to building a competitive and sustainable economy by equipping South Africans with the skills needed for a decarbonised future.
Among those who visited the centre were Jennifer Morgan, State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Action at the Federal Foreign Office in Germany, along with Oda Muhr (Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection), Elisa Oezbek (International Climate Policy), and Dipak Patel (South Africa’s Head of Climate Finance and Innovation for the Presidential Climate Commission).
A Milestone for Skills Development
IEPA has played a pivotal role in skills development for over 22 years. Yolanda de Lange, CEO of IEPA, expressed her enthusiasm for the project: "This marks the beginning of our journey toward creating a fully equipped centre with three classrooms and a dedicated workshop space."
Welcoming German officials and representatives from the Department of Higher Education and the Presidential Climate Commission, De Lange stressed that the centre would be instrumental in supporting South Africa's economic and energy transition. The focus will be on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and stakeholder engagement, addressing future skills demands and the employment implications of the Just Energy Transition.
De Lange highlighted that while jobs may be lost in carbon-intensive sectors, new opportunities are emerging in green industries, making training vital to meet these new demands. "This project aims to improve the employment prospects of young South Africans in a sustainable, decarbonised economy," she said.
Supporting South Africa’s Youth and SMMEs
The centre will create opportunities for young people and SMMEs to access employment in low-carbon sectors. De Lange concluded, "We are committed to providing meaningful career path development services."
A student at the centre, Shallot Magabe, expressed optimism about the future, stating that the qualification and training he received would open many doors for him. The IEPA Training Centre represents a beacon of sustainability, innovation, and energy efficiency.
IEPA’s Vision for the Future
IEPA’s establishment of their own building is a demonstration of their environmental contribution, showcasing semi-independence in basic services such as water and energy, and reducing reliance on external sources. This building is not only an asset for IEPA but also a step towards financial security and stability.
Press Release Submitted By:
- Company Name: EWSETA
- Contact Person: Rami Zakany
- Contact Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Total Words: 555
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EWSETA Joins German Delegation at World-Class Energy Training Centre
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