The new EWSETA skills programmes list: What to know about the skills programme
Skills Programme: Renewable energy workshop assistant
NQF level: level 4
The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority has added a new programme to its list. The new skills programme was added to fill the gap created by the rapid expansion of the renewable energy sector in South Africa and the growing demand for technically supported installation and maintenance services.
A renewable energy workshop assistant plans, prepares, and assists under the supervision of technicians with installation, maintenance, energy production processes, quality assurance and component assembly for Renewable Energy processes, systems, facilities, and equipment. The programme also provides learners with clear occupational progression pathways into related occupations such as Solar PV Service Technician, Wind Turbine Service Technician, and Hot Water System Installer.
What the skills programme intends to achieve
A qualified learner will have the skill and be ability to:
- use hand tools, power tools, and measuring instruments specific to renewable energy systems.
- Assemble and install renewable energy systems and components
- Perform repairs, routine maintenance and care for tools and equipment
what are the entry requirements?
Grade 11 or NQF level 3 national certificate or learners may use the RPL, which stands for Recognition of Prior Learning to gain access to training opportunities for a skills programme if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access path into a skills programme. Learners who have gained the knowledge requirements of the modules of a skills programme through any means of formal, informal, or non-formal learning or work experience may be awarded credits towards relevant modules. RPL gives you an opportunity to have what you already know and can do recognised, even if you do not have the formal qualifications normally required for entry.
What opportunities can I gain from the programme?
As a learner you can gain a lot of opportunities from the programme and the most importantly, you can further your studies by enrolling in the following qualifications and skills programmes listed below.
| QUALIFICATION | PROGRAMME NAME | NQF LEVEL |
| Skills Programme | solar photovoltaic installation tester | 5 |
| Skills Programme | solar photovoltaic installation planner | 5 |
| Skills Programme | solar photovoltaic installation practitioner | 4 |
| Occupational Certificate | solar photovoltaic standalone system mounter | 4 |
| Occupational Certificate | wind turbine service technician | 5 |
| Occupational Certificate | hot water system installer (solar water installer) | 4 |
| Occupational Certificate | solar photovoltaic service technician | 5 |
Conclusion
By completing this programme, learners become more competitive in the labour market and better equipped to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s green economy and sustainable energy initiatives. This programme plays an important role in supporting unemployed youth and entry-level workers by creating access to skills development, employment opportunities, and career pathways within the growing renewable energy sector. Beyond individual career development, the Ewseta skills programme list contributes to broader social and economic development by promoting inclusion, supporting participation in the green economy, and helping address unemployment and poverty. In South Africa
