Damlaagte Solar has introduced in-service training and internship opportunities for youth from Parys and surrounding areas giving them practical workplace experience while they complete their studies. According to the plant’s Site Manager, Brenda Sidaki, investing in local youth is investing in both the community and the future of the renewable energy industry.

“Investing in local youth is important for the renewable energy industry, as it directly tackles unemployment and bridges technical skills gaps in the community,” says Sidaki. While our business benefits from the fresh ideas and new perspectives that students bring from their academic studies, our broader objective is to help young people from local communities develop into skilled, work- ready professionals.”

The internship programme gives young people in Parys the opportunity to apply their academic learning in a real-world environment, build confidence and professional skills, and gain first-hand exposure to the renewable energy industry — helping bridge the gap between study and employment, and contributing to a pipeline of skilled, work-ready professionals for the sector.

Kalego, a graduate of the Vaal University of Technology, where he completed a Diploma in Operations Management,  is now putting his academic knowledge into practice, gaining hands-on

experience across the technical and operational aspects of the business. “Renewable energy is something I only recently became interested in, but what caught my attention was its potential to address unreliable power grids, reduce high utility costs and lower environmental impact,” Katlego says. 

In addition to working alongside the plant’s site manager, he also supports the implementation of social impact initiatives aimed at further contributing to the development of people in Parys.

“I’ve strengthened my analytical and research skills, while gaining a better understanding of the community’s needs and how to contribute to its development. On the technical side, I’m learning

about operations and maintenance and what it takes to become a plant manager," concluded Katlego.