Boipelo Mere | 9 April 2024
Ten unemployed graduates from Kathu, Kuruman and Deben will be equipped with the skills necessary to enhance the local workforce and address the skills shortage within the renewable energy sector following the official inauguration of Kathu Solar Park’s first Internship Programme.
TEN UNEMPLOYED graduates from Kathu, Kuruman and Deben will be equipped with the skills necessary to enhance the local workforce and address the skills shortage within the renewable energy sector following the official inauguration of Kathu Solar Park’s (KSP) first Internship Programme.
The programme is aligned with KSP’s strategic socio-economic development goals and is specifically tailored to foster the upliftment of local communities. By focusing on skills development, job creation and economic empowerment, it emphasises the renewable energy sector’s critical role in driving the region’s sustainable growth.
The initiative represents a concerted effort to fortify the local workforce and mitigate the skills gap in the renewable energy industry, demonstrating KSP’s commitment to both community development and environmental sustainability.
Launched in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, the programme’s official inauguration was graced by the presence of the Northern Cape MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Abraham Vosloo, who addressed the guests.
Notable figures and stakeholders from the Northern Cape’s provincial government, including Gamagara mayor Johannes Roman, were also in attendance.
The programme was initially launched as a pilot in September 2023, with a focus on skills development, job creation and economic empowerment.
The Internship Programme embodies KSP’s dedication to fostering sustainable development and economic empowerment throughout South Africa.
It facilitates a robust professional development journey, merging targeted job-specific training with essential life skills.
It’s focus is on enabling young graduates to translate their academic knowledge into practical applications, and enhances their employability and prospects within the renewable energy sector.
They will therefore be equipped with a well-rounded skill-set vital for thriving in the renewable energy sector and beyond.
The economic development manager at KSP, Cheryl Persensie, explained that the programme embodies KSP’s commitment to not only advancing the renewable energy industry, but also ensuring its participants are ready and able to contribute effectively.
“We believe that this Internship Programme stands out by integrating job-specific training with essential personal and interpersonal skills development. This holistic approach ensures that interns are well-prepared for the professional challenges they will face in the renewable energy sector, equipping them with the skills necessary for long-term success,” said Persensie.
“Looking to the future, KSP has confirmed that it will closely monitor the impact and success of this pilot cohort with the intention to extend the programme’s reach and potentially increase the number of participants in the future.
“This reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to community development and its vision for a sustainable future powered by skilled local professionals.”
‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’.