Riviersonderend Local Joins Inaugural Wind Turbine Technician Training Programme

Recognising the critical importance of upskilling to drive economic growth and address skills shortages in the renewable energy sector, Klipheuwel Wind Farm has launched its inaugural Wind Turbine Technician Training Programme. Among the first cohort of participants is Bonga Kosani (33) from Riviersonderend in the Overberg, one of over a hundred young electricians who applied for this opportunity. With a strong interest in engineering and renewable energy, Bonga has been working as an assistant wind turbine technician in the same region and sees this programme as a key step towards becoming fully qualified and advancing his career in the sector. 

“The opportunity to train as a wind turbine service technician means that I can contribute to reducing load shedding, which is a significant challenge in our country, and play a role in producing clean energy,” said Bonga Kosani. “This course will also enhance my understanding of environmental protection within a wind farm, going beyond just electricity generation to consider the broader impacts of renewable energy production. It’s a step towards becoming a skilled technician in the years to come,” he added. 

The programme, aimed at upskilling local youth and meeting the growing demand for skilled technicians in South Africa’s renewable energy sector, officially commenced last month. Bonga is part of a cohort of 12 electricians currently undertaking this full-time course, which includes both theoretical and practical learning components presented over a six-month period. The training is developed by the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC), a division of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), and leads to an accredited Quality Council of Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Occupational Certificate: Wind Turbine Service Technician. 

Following the initial six months of training, Bonga will engage in a two-month workplace experiential learning phase at Klipheuwel Wind Farm, providing valuable hands-on experience. 

Nonini Makhothe, Economic Development Specialist at Klipheuwel Wind Farm, highlighted the significance of the programme: “As the renewable energy sector grows in South Africa, the demand for skilled technicians, particularly in the wind sector, continues to rise. By aligning our development efforts with current skills gaps, we aim to equip participants with highly sought-after skills, enhancing their employability.” 

The Wind Turbine Technician Training Programme is open to applicants from communities surrounding Klipheuwel Wind Farm, including Botriver, Caledon, Grabouw, Gardendale, Tesselaarsdal, Riviersonderend, and Villiersdorp. Applicants are required to have prior qualifications such as an NQF Level 4 in Electrician (Light Voltage, Medium Voltage, High Voltage), Mechatronics, Millwright, Fitters and Turners, or a National Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics.