For young people who have fallen through the gaps of the traditional education system, a career in the growing renewable-energy sector can seem out of reach. The Salesian Institute Youth Projects (SIYP) is changing that by providing young people with practical, accredited solar training and a pathway from the classroom into the workplace.
A South African training programme is giving young people locked out of work and education a practical route into the growing solar sector. The solar programme is part of SIYP’s NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training) programme, which gives young people who have not completed high school or who have been unable to access further education and training a second chance to develop formal skills and pursue employment, further education, or entrepreneurship.
SIYP currently offers two solar training pathways: Solar PV Mounter and Solar PV Installer.
The Solar Mounter programme focuses on the practical and mechanical aspects of solar installation, including mounting panels, positioning equipment and cable routing. The more advanced Solar Installer programme includes training in batteries, inverters, electrical connections and more complex installation requirements. Importantly, SIYP provides this training from entry level, opening the renewable-energy sector to young people who may not have the academic qualifications or previous industry experience required by conventional training institutions.
Establishing the programme has required significant investment in infrastructure, equipment, training materials and specialised workshop facilities, with SIYP investing more than R1 million in its solar training infrastructure. The solar programmes have undergone an extensive accreditation process, enabling learners to work towards recognised qualifications and assessments within the renewable-energy sector.
SIYP aims to train approximately 60 young people each year, 40 Solar Mounters and 20 Solar Installers. The training is offered free of charge to learners, creating an important opportunity for young people who would otherwise struggle to afford technical training.
But the programme does not stop at the classroom. Learners complete theoretical and practical training, including working-at-heights training, medical assessments, first aid and simulated solar installation work before progressing to workplace experiential training.
The first cohort of Solar PV Mounter learners is already demonstrating the impact of the programme. Two learners, Kelli-Kim Akim and Chenecka Fondling, were selected for Workplace Experiential Training at Fruitpak packaging company in Ashton, on a Lesedi-initiated contract site. They joined a nine-person team installing 1,080 solar panels on the Fruitpak packaging warehouse rooftop. The learners made an immediate impression on the host employer.
After only three days on site, Claudie Williams, Site Manager, contacted SIYP to praise the learners’ performance, attitude and ability to follow instructions. “I am very impressed, not just with their work, but also their attitude and compliance with instructions.”
The placement has also demonstrated the important role women can play in the renewable-energy sector, with Kelli-Kim and Chenecka contributing alongside their male colleagues on the installation team. Lesedi is currently building teams of solar mounters and installers for new renewable-energy projects, creating the potential for further employment opportunities for SIYP graduates.
For Rico-Che Marinus, the journey from training to employment is already becoming a reality. He is now working for a sub-contractor involved in NieuwenBosch, a major new residential development in Stellenbosch.
The company is responsible for the solar installations across the development, including the maintenance of rooftop solar systems and associated electrical installations.
Rico’s role provides valuable hands-on industry experience, allowing him to apply the technical skills he gained through the Salesian Institute Youth Projects’ solar programme in a real-world working environment. His experience demonstrates how practical, industry-focused training can create pathways for young people into South Africa’s growing renewable-energy sector.
For Tobin Collins, the programme has already resulted in a permanent career. Originally from Atlantis, Tobin joined SIYP’s solar course determined to enter the renewable-energy sector despite significant personal and economic challenges. He travelled approximately 2.5 hours each day to attend training and quickly distinguished himself through his practical ability, leadership and commitment to helping his fellow learners. Tobin also lives with a speech impairment, but this has not prevented him from becoming a respected leader among his peers. His determination to create a better future for himself and his family saw him take on additional work tutoring young people and running a small T-shirt printing business while completing his studies.
Matthew Ridley, New Planet Energy, says: “The Salesian learners come to our sites well prepared for workplace exposure. Having completed a medical assessment, Basic First Aid and Working at Heights certification, they can get into the practical work from the minute they arrive on site. They have also been adequately exposed to the components of the solar system and understand the instructions issued by the site supervisor. It makes our job of guiding them so much easier.”
His performance at SIYP led to an internship at a steel plant in Kuils River, where the company recognised his dedication, problem-solving ability, safety awareness and hands-on installation skills. The internship subsequently resulted in permanent employment, with Tobin appointed on a competitive salary and taking responsibility for managing the new solar system being installed at the plant. His journey is a powerful example of what can happen when skills training is connected directly to the workplace.
SIYP is now looking to expand its network of industry partners to create more opportunities for learners to complete Work-Integrated Learning (WIL). Businesses can play a vital role by providing workplace exposure, mentorship and practical experience, allowing learners to apply their training in real-world environments while developing the confidence and skills required for employment.
“The qualification is only part of the journey,” says Gabriel Hamuy, Project Manager. “Young people need the opportunity to enter a workplace, learn from experienced professionals and demonstrate what they can do. That connection between training and industry can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.”
For SIYP, the success of the solar programme is ultimately measured not only by the number of learners trained, but by how many move into employment, further training or sustainable livelihoods. With the renewable-energy sector continuing to create new opportunities, SIYP is working to ensure that young people who were once excluded from traditional pathways are not left behind.
For media enquiries, partnerships or further information, please contact:
SIYP website https://salesianyouth.org/ or email info@salesianyouth.org.za or telephone on 021 - 425 1450.
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