​Staff Writer 
The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) has partnered with the Manufacturing, Engineering, and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) to launch a training and skills development programme to boost technical and renewable energy skills.
The programme was first mentioned in the State of the Province Address, in which the Premier outlined the government's intention to ensure previously unemployed young people are trained, skilled, and equipped in the energy sector.
The project, announced at a media briefing in Midrand on Thursday, aims to train 6 000 youth in Solar PV microgrid.
The training programme will focus on installing, maintaining, and repairing different aspects of solar energy, focusing on hybrid SPV systems.
It will also provide learners with business and entrepreneurial skills designed to help them to start new businesses in the growing energy sector. 
The programme, worth over R172.5 million, aims to address the country's energy crisis and invest in skilled human capital to drive growth in the manufacturing sector. 
This initiative forms part of a larger R1.2 billion Merafong Solar Farm project to ease the loadshedding burden on the province and will see the installation of solar panels in hospitals, clinics and schools.
Speaking at the briefing, Premier Panyaza Lesufi said the project will provide both theoretical and practical or in-service training.
The theoretical part will be 8 – 12 weeks to develop technical skills. This will be complemented by 6 – 8 months of work experiential learning, where candidates will be given practical work experience. 
Lesufi emphasized that the project will be implemented over three years (36 months), with an initial intake of 6000 learners. These will not be trained all at once – they will be taken as different-size cohorts.
"The goal is to train 25 000 learners over three years, with a staggered approach to delivery, drawing youth from Gauteng's townships, informal settlements, and hostels."
Upon completing the course, candidates will be able to register with the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) to obtain their Green Card status.
Solar energy is a safe and environmentally friendly renewable energy source, emitting no emissions, as the sun is its fuel source. Gauteng's potential for solar energy is high, as ideal conditions for solar energy generation can be found throughout the province.
According to Quantec and Trade Map, which provides Economic and Financial Data, in 2022, South Africa imported R5,6 billion worth of solar panels, modules, and batteries. In the first Quarter of 2023, South Africa imported R3,6 billion worth of solar panels, batteries, and modules. 
SAPVIA CEO Dr Rethabile Melamu said ideally, these should be manufactured locally.
"This attests to the need for installation, maintenance, and repair skills. As the sector we struggle with skills, we welcome this 6000 will make a huge difference. " 
merSETA CEO Disa Mpande said the applications will open on Monday, the 8th of May, and close on 8 June.
The qualification, Mpande said, is NQF 5. 
South African youth (under the age of 35) are eligible to apply and are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. 
Applicants must have matriculated in a Gauteng school after 2016. N3+ electrical qualification from a TVET college or technical matric is an added advantage. Ideally, applicants must also be interested in a career in energy efficiency, electrical work, and the green economy sector. 
The learners will be given a stipend that ranges between R4000 to R 7000, depending on their qualifications. (R4000 for matric holders, and R7000 for those with higher qualifications).
Applicants can send their applications to SAyouth website: www. sayouth.mobi