A group of 18 wind turbine service technicians are trained and ready for SA’s move into state commissioned wind farms.
The graduates were recipients of fully funded bursaries awarded by Nordex Acciona and the South African National Energy Development Institute. The bursaries covered five months of full time study at the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (Saretec) as well as a two month internship.
Brenda Martin from the South African Wind Energy Association told the graduates that they were uniquely positioned to take advantage of an exciting phase in the country’s expansion into renewable energy.
“There are over 600 turbines and of those employed in the wind sector 47% are youth and women. It is a great industry to join,” she said.
Anna Henschel from Nordex Acciona congratulated the group for persevering and urged them to concentrate on the next phase of their careers.
“The question to ask is what comes next for you and also for us. Continue being passionate, enthusiastic and remember you are good in the space you are in. Be open to learning more and consolidating all that you know,” she said.
Saretec Director Naim Rassool says future plans for the Wind Turbine Service Technician qualification is to create short courses which service the wind industry.
“The ultimate aim it to be a global leader in renewable energy training for that reason we are constantly benchmarking ourselves,” he said.
