A new platform designed to ensure that South Africa’s renewable energy workforce is equipped with the right skills to meet industry needs is being launched today. The PowerUp platform is a catalytic intervention of the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan, connecting industry with training institutions and facilitating the development of new qualifications. It is a central platform aimed at addressing critical skills gaps and creating pathways to employment within the renewable energy value chain. Find out more.
The development of PowerUp has been made possible through the close collaboration of ecosystem partners from industry, academia and government, supported by the United Kingdom Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT) Programme.
The British High Commissioner, Antony Phillipson, said: “I am delighted that UK PACT has supported the development of PowerUp. The PowerUp platform is an opportunity to ensure adequate skills are available for South Africa’s renewable energy industry. By engaging specific stakeholders, it will support 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.”
Mpho Mookapele, CEO of EWSETA said: “The South African green economy is growing and is creating opportunities to build local capabilities to ensure a just transition and drive inclusive economic participation in the energy sector. PowerUp is a much-needed mechanism to strengthen the bridge between industry and the Post School Education and Training system. This will foster impactful collaboration and facilitate innovation in skills development for the sector.”
Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Maré said: “PowerUp is a great example of effective public-private collaboration to drive job creation and economic growth in South Africa, by ensuring that South Africa’s workforce is future-ready. It furthers the collaborative ethos of the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM), which emphasises skills availability as a catalytic focal area to unlocking the growth potential of the renewable energy sector. SAREM is due for final adoption by cabinet, but its implementation will need continuous collaboration and working partnerships. I’m excited to see such a critical aspect of SAREM addressed through the PowerUp platform, and I would like to encourage everyone to be an active participant in its success. Let’s show both the youth of South Africa and the renewable energy sector that we are serious about their future.”
Who should get involved?
- Industry leaders: Shape the workforce of tomorrow by providing skill needs and participating in skills matchmaking.
- PSET institutions: Align curricula with industry needs and open doors to workplace training for students.
- SETAs and funders: Unlock funding opportunities and drive impactful training initiatives and registration of new qualifications and recognised skills programs.
For more information or to get involved, see https://ewseta.org.za/power-up/.
Contact
Khetsiwe Mtiyane, EWSETA Energy Manager
Email: khetsiwed [at] ewseta.org.za
Ends
PowerUp launches at an event attended by representatives from the renewable energy industry, academic institutions and government, hosted by GreenCape on 4 March 2025. It is also introduced at Africa Energy Indaba’s Energy and Investment Hubs.
About PowerUp: PowerUp is a skills facilitation online platform designed to ensure that South Africa’s renewable energy workforce is equipped with the right skills to meet industry needs. It connects industry with training institutions and facilitates the development of new qualifications. It is a central platform aimed at addressing critical skills gaps and creating pathways to employment within the renewable energy value chain.
PowerUp steering committee:
Council on Higher Education (CHE)
Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE)
Energy & Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA)
GreenCape
Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (MERSETA)
National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM)
Presidential Climate Commission (PCC)
Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO)
The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA)
South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA)
Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS)
United Kingdom Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT)
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