A new Renewable Energy Training Centre at Ingwe TVET College is set to help equip young people with the skills needed to participate in South Africa’s growing green economy.
The launch, scheduled for Thursday, represents an important step towards expanding access to quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), particularly for young people living in rural communities.
It will also highlight efforts to provide students with future-focused skills that can support South Africa's changing economy.
The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, will preside over the official co-launch and handover of the Ngqungqushe Campus and Renewable Energy Training Centre at Ingwe TVET College in Lusikisiki.
New TVET Infrastructure In The Eastern Cape
The Ngqungqushe Campus and Renewable Energy Training Centre represent two significant investments at Ingwe TVET College.
According to the National Skills Fund (NSF), the developments were made possible through a strategic partnership between the National Skills Fund and the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA).
"The event will bring together two significant investments at Ingwe TVET College's Ngqungqushe Campus, made possible through a strategic partnership involving the National Skills Fund (NSF) and the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA)," the NSF said in a statement.
The newly developed Ngqungqushe Campus forms part of government's ongoing investment in expanding access to quality post-school education and training.
The campus is particularly significant for rural communities, where access to higher education and skills development opportunities can be limited.
Renewable Energy Training Centre
The Renewable Energy Training Centre was established through EWSETA in partnership with the Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Centre (CCIEEC).
The centre is expected to play a role in developing the skills required to support South Africa's expanding renewable energy industry.
It will also contribute to the country's Just Energy Transition, which aims to support the shift towards a cleaner energy system while creating opportunities for workers and communities.
The development comes as demand grows for workers with technical skills that can support renewable energy projects and other parts of the green economy.
Partnership To Support Skills Development
The NSF said the co-launch demonstrates the importance of collaboration and coordinated investment across South Africa's post-school education and training system.
“The partnership between the NSF and EWSETA further provides an important example of how government entities and SETAs can work together to maximise the impact of available resources, complement one another's investments and avoid duplication,” the NSF said.
The partnership highlights how government entities and Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) can work together to strengthen skills development and ensure that investments in education and training have a greater impact.
TVET Colleges And The Green Economy
The launch of the Ngqungqushe Campus and Renewable Energy Training Centre also provides an opportunity to demonstrate how modern TVET infrastructure, industry-relevant training and strategic partnerships can create opportunities for young people.
As South Africa's green economy continues to develop, TVET colleges are expected to play an increasingly important role in preparing students for careers requiring technical and vocational skills.
Investment in renewable energy training could therefore help young people in rural communities access skills linked to emerging industries while supporting the country's broader energy transition.
The launch is expected to showcase the potential of combining investment in TVET infrastructure, future-focused skills and partnerships to create meaningful opportunities for young people and communities.
