NEARLY a year ago the Solana Training Academy was established in Richards Bay, through a partnership with South32, aimed at providing high-quality standardised training in response to the soaring demand for rooftop solar installations in the residential and business sectors. The training academy has trained 60 young solar PV installers who are deployed across the country.
There is a need for ongoing and greater investment in renewable energy, particularly in solar PV, as the focus within the country shifts towards having a cleaner and more sustainable energy mix, according to Solana.
Since the idea of the training academy was conceptualised, everything has happened at pace, with much being achieved in less than a year.
The academy provides a unique opportunity to train electricians, technicians and young unemployed people as solar PV installers. Trainees actively learn much-needed hands-on skills, work on ground and roof-mounted solar PV systems, do experiments and are exposed to live solar PV installations.
Head of training at the academy, Warren Conrad said: “Solar PV energy is a forward-looking technology, so in training young people we prepare them for the future world of work through encouraging curiosity, resilience and a life-long love for learning.”
The academy shared achievements from its first year with the leadership team of the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA), whilst hosting the association in Richards Bay.
The interaction aims to strengthen the relationship between the academy and SAPVIA, as the Academy readies itself for accreditation as a PV GreenCard training centre with SAPVIA, and continues its quest for ensuring high-quality demand-led solar PV training.
De Wet Taljaard, technical specialist from SAPVIA says: “With the facilities, experienced personnel and support from South32 and Absa, the Solana Academy is well positioned to become an accredited PV GreenCard training centre offering industry best practice training in the Richards Bay area and serving as a training hub for the greater KZN area.”
Talking about the Solana Training Academy’s Vision 2035, the strategy lead for the academy, Lea Conrad, said: “The Academy aims to contribute to communities and the country, through developing competence, improving skills, uplifting and empowering the youth and creating jobs through its demand-led skills strategy.”
