College receives endorsement for its renewable energy centre

Over the last few years, significant potential for growth has been projected for the South African Photovoltaic (PV) market. Particularly when it comes to small and medium-sized roof installations for private households and commercial self-consumption.

The South African Photo-Voltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) has acknowledged the current lack of skilled labour in the PV industry as a key issue. The development of Solar PV installer skills will assist to improve the quality of Solar PV Installations. It is recognised that education and training are the key requirements to a suitably qualified workforce. This ensures adherence to best practise, thereby safeguarding the future of the industry.

In December 2016, the Solar PV Service Technician Qualification was approved by the South African Qualifications Authority.

The qualification had been developed by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations in partnership with merSETA. The qualification provides a national curriculum and presents four part-qualifications, one of which specifies the required skills to become a PV installer.

The required skills are defined by specific exit outcomes.

Based on the “Solar PV Installer” part qualification, and with the support of GIZ and DGS Berlin, a five day reference training course has been tailored for PF installers.

In designing and drafting this course, international experts worked for over a year to assist with the training outline and material. These were developed in line with the national Solar PV Service

Technician Qualification. Faculty attended training and were introduced to the newly developed “Solar PV Installer Course”. West Coast TVET College has been formally recognised as a SAPVIA endorsed centre to provide the Solar PV installer training.

A common sight around the West Coast, is its many wind turbines. It is therefore, important that our students are exposed to this type of technology.

Upon exit, they should able to access employment in related fields. With the support of GIZ, wind turbines were installed at the Citrusdal campus.

These provide live installation examples for students studying Renewable Energy Technology.

“We believe that being one of the front runners in Renewable Energy is a great achievement for our College. We always strive to deliver more opportunities to students and stakeholders” said Principal Osma Jooste-Mokgethi.

Source TVET College Times