The just energy transition starts at the Solar Youth Academy
Third Quarter 2024
News & events
The pilot group of 23 solar interns, with their Life Choice Academy coaches and GREEN Solar Academy trainers.
Life Choices and GREEN Solar Academy are making strides with their Solar Youth Academy, aiming to produce work-ready interns for the solar industry. In early May, 23 young people graduated from this specialised training programme in Cape Town, and they will now begin internships. Over the next three years, the Academy will train 138 youngsters, combining their education with quality work experience in the solar sector.
The Solar Youth Academy is the only facility in South Africa offering such comprehensive training. The year-long programme starts with eight weeks of on-site training, followed by ten months of internships, and concludes with two weeks of final training and assessment. The initial course includes theoretical and practical modules covering skills for PV mounters, personal growth sessions, tool handling, site preparation, safe and efficient solar system installation, and PV system maintenance.
The pilot programme has been successful, with all 23 participants graduating. Life Choices has secured internships for some graduates through GREEN Solar Academy’s #GREENetwork, a platform for exchange and collaboration in the solar industry. They are now seeking host companies for the remaining graduates and future cohorts.
Programme manager, Vuyo Ntlangu expressed pride in the first cohort, highlighting the significant personal and professional growth of the participants. Top achiever Inam Mhlakaza shared her positive experience, noting the programme’s impact on her life and her newfound passion for the solar industry. The Academy is dedicated to supporting South Africa’s transition to renewable energy by equipping youth with the skills and experience needed to thrive in the solar sector.
Further reading:
New digital tool reconditioning portal puts customers fully in control
News & events
Sandvik Coromant has upgraded its tool reconditioning service for solid round tools. The upgraded service replaces a previously manual, multi-stage workflow with a streamlined, fully online experience that dramatically reduces quotation and turnaround times.
Read more...
New automation innovations on show at Electra Mining Africa 2026
News & events
South African engineers are leaders in innovation and technology development. Many of these innovations and newly automated systems will be on display at the largest trade show of its kind in southern Africa, Electra Mining Africa 2026, taking place in Johannesburg later this year.
Read more...
From a technological revolution to a global standard.
Beckhoff Automation
News & events
When Beckhoff elevated the industrial computer to the status of a central control system four decades ago, a paradigm shift occurred.
Read more...
Investment in training is key for the lubrication industry
News & events
Lubrication management has grown more sophisticated in recent years, yet equipment failure rates linked to lubrication problems remain stubbornly high. The reason for this is that technology can only go so far without the people behind it being properly trained.
Read more...
Elevating artisanal skills is key to revitalising South Africa’s economy
News & events
We need to challenge the stigma attached to artisanal and technical careers, and we also need a mindset shift supported by the schooling system so that young people understand future career pathways, choose subjects accordingly, and recognise that artisanal and technical skills carry equal value in a modern economy.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: A tool not a crutch
Technews Publishing
News & events
Every year, the dictionaries try to summarise a year of human behaviour with a single word, the word of the year. You can question the value of this, but it’s quite entertaining. Words are important,
...
Read more...
Experience ICRA 2026 right here in Gqeberha, South Africa
News & events
The IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) is the largest robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing conference in the world. You can experience the premier keynote and plenary presentations in Gqeberha.
Read more...
Woman of Stature Awards South Africa
News & events
In a powerful recognition of excellence in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Thabisile Phumo won the Woman in Mining and Engineering award at the 2026 Woman of Stature Awards South Africa.
Read more...
Electra Mining Africa 2026
News & events
Electra Mining Africa will take place at Nasrec, Johannesburg from 7 to 11 September 2026.
Read more...
Toolbox on the Move brings critical components and support right to your door
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
News & events
BMG has expanded its service to businesses operating in remote areas in the Eastern Cape with the launch of a new mobile sales and support initiative.
Read more...
printer friendly version