Jobless being trained in solar energy

The classes, which have been running since last year, are offered for free because they are paid for by the Public Works Department through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

The course is composed of two aspects - technical and business management skills.

Shaun Unterslak, who initiated the project, told Sowetan that its aim was to teach the youth skills that would enable them to open their own small businesses to primarily fit solar geysers and compete with existing companies.

"The alternative energy industry offers high growth and is labour intensive," Unterslak said.

"Starting such a project is crucial if we aim to combat poverty and youth unemployment in South Africa," he added.

"The aim of the alternative energy youth empowerment project is to provide both the required technical skills, together with the new venture creation qualification to unemployed youth," he said.

Unemployed being trained

He said the Independent Development Trust, through the Department of Public Works' EPWP, was funding the programme in which an initial 266 unemployed youth from Tembisa were being trained.

"The youth are learning to install a broad range of energy-efficient and solar-powered products, including solar geysers, converting electric geysers to solar, installing geyser timers and blankets," Unterslak said.

"They are also being trained to instal solar lighting systems and systems that enable homes to use solar-powered batteries," Unterslak said.

The youth are also learning about basic plumbing and electricity.

"The objective is to use qualified youth leaders to teach the business skills so they will assist and mentor the new students by ensuring that the business skills learnt are implemented correctly," Unterslak said.

Co-operative approach

"A secondary co-operative will be formed so self-employed plumbers and electricians can offer quality control and support these co-operatives," he said.

Peace Rabedzwana, 28, said the project had given him skills to enter the industry and be able to make a living.

"My dad was the only person who was employed at home. I am now able to supplement the household income," he said.

Rabedzwana said when the training was completed he wanted to open his own business so that he could employ youngsters who were unemployed like himself.

Pule Moshweli, 25, said the project had improved his life.

"After completing matric I had no funds to pursue a tertiary education and I was unemployed. Things are now better because I can use the money to support my family members," he said.

Source: Sowetan via I-Net Bridge