Are we ready to revolutionise the energy and water sector and tackle the pressing
challenges of climate change head-on? In a world where innovation and sustainability are paramount, organisations like the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) are leading the charge.
As the energy and water landscape undergoes rapid transformation and the demand for sustainable technologies intensifies, EWSETA is at the forefront of driving change.
Through strategic partnerships, cutting-edge training programmes, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, this skills development and training authority is paving the way towards a brighter, more sustainable future for the energy and water sector.
The organisation understands that innovation is key to accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies and mitigate the effects of climate change. By fostering a culture of research and development, creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, EWSETA empowers individuals to develop cutting-edge solutions to complex challenges.
One way in which EWSETA promotes innovation is through strategic funding initiatives. By providing financial support to researchers and entrepreneurs, EWSETA enables them to pursue innovative projects that have the potential to transform the energy and water landscape of South Africa and, potentially, globally.
From renewable energy technologies to energy-efficient processes, these projects
are driving tangible change and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Mpho Mookapele, EWSETA’s Chief Executive Officer, explains: “We have adopted a strategic approach to support initiatives that will enable entrepreneurs and SMMEs to contribute to the core business of the energy and water value chain in South Africa. We believe that a large part of skills development is enabling small, medium and micro enterprises the opportunity to benefit from localisation initiatives and increase their economic participation.”
Additionally, the authority invests in learning programmes that focus on emerging technologies and best practices. By equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to harness innovations, EWSETA is ensuring that the energy and water workforce remains agile and adaptable in the face of technological advancements.
“ Partnerships create opportunities for hands-on learning and real-world experience, allowing trainees to gain practical skills.“
EWSETA’s partnership with the University of the Western Cape (UWC) is an exemplary collaboration that highlights its commitment to providing higher education institutions with the required support to research and develop innovative technologies and capacitate individuals with the appropriate skills at a high level.
Through this collaboration, the SETA has extended bursary funding to postgraduate students pursuing degrees in energy- and water-related studies at the South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry (SAIAMC), at UWC.
Another collaborative programme is with the University of Limpopo that aims to drive innovation and technology adoption through a bursary programme that supports 45 beneficiaries in pursuing qualifications in water and sanitation, ranging from BSc to PhD levels, thereby fostering expertise in critical areas.
In addition, the university’s active participation in developing the Water Resource Management qualification, which includes a dedicated research module, underscores its commitment to advancing innovative solutions and technologies in the field.
The launch of the Regional Platform of Vocational Excellence (POVE) in May 2023, held at Stellenbosch University, was a pivotal moment in driving innovation and technology adoption within the vocational sector. Bringing together participants from South Africa and Europe, the event fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange among key stakeholders.
Representatives from esteemed organisations such as the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP), Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), EWSETA and Quality Council of Trades and Occupations (QCTO) underscored the importance of leveraging innovation to address pressing challenges in the vocational field.
At the Durban University of Technology, IEETR is charting new waters with its pioneering endeavour – the Siyahamba Solar Racing Boat. This innovative project in renewable energy and ingenuity within the boating industry displays a commitment to continuous advancement. By drawing insights from international peers and embracing cutting-edge technologies such as mono PV Decks and hydrofoils, the team is poised to revolutionise maritime engineering.
Collaborative ventures with students worldwide promise a rich exchange of ideas, propelling progress to new heights. Moreover, with a strategic focus on postgraduate research, particularly in harnessing hydrogen propulsion, the project drives technological innovation and stimulates local industry growth in South Africa.
Beyond its technical achievements, this initiative stands as a testament to inclusivity as it provides a platform for students from diverse backgrounds to contribute to the renewable energy and boating sectors to shape a more sustainable future for all.
These initiatives, supported by EWSETA, highlight its recognition of the pivotal role that higher education institutions play in nurturing talent and driving innovation. By providing financial support to students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, the authority is not only investing in the future workforce but also facilitates the development of advanced skills and expertise necessary to tackle the negative impact of climate change and assist South Africa’s Green Economy trajectory.
The intention through partnerships with higher education institutions, is to foster innovation and build a pipeline of highly skilled professionals equipped to address the evolving needs of the energy and water sector to create a more sustainable and resilient future for all.
The entity recognises that collaboration is key to driving innovation and staying ahead of the curve. It has forged strategic partnerships with industry leaders to integrate emerging technologies into its training programmes.
These partnerships enable EWSETA to gain valuable insight into industry trends and developments, ensuring that its training programmes remain relevant and up to date. By working closely with industry experts, the authority can identify emerging technologies that have the potential to revolutionise the energy and water sector and incorporate them into its curriculum.
Additionally, these partnerships create opportunities for hands-on learning and real-world experience and allow trainees to gain practical skills that are directly applicable to their careers. Whether it is through internships, work integrated programmes, mentorship programmes or collaborative research projects, EWSETA’s partnerships with industry leaders are helping to shape the next generation of energy and water professionals.
“ EWSETA invests in learning programmes that focus on emerging technologies and best practices. “
As the world deals with higher rainfall rates, increased summer temperatures and colder winters, the imperative for solutions is ever more pressing. So, the question arises: Are we truly ready to revolutionise the energy and water sector and confront these challenges head on?
EWSETA’s resounding answer is “yes.”
Through a dynamic combination of strategic partnerships, innovative training programmes and a steadfast commitment to action, EWSETA is not just leading the charge but setting the pace in building a transformative, capable workforce.
From fostering a culture of innovation to equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to harness emerging technologies, EWSETA drives tangible progress towards a brighter, more sustainable future for South Africa.
In a world where talk is cheap and action is paramount, EWSETA’s commitment to action-oriented strategies is commendable.
By taking concrete steps to foster innovation and technology adoption, this SETA is not just talking the talk but walking the walk, driving meaningful change and shaping a more sustainable and resilient energy and water sector for generations to come. ESI
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