March 2024.
Today signifies the much-anticipated official inauguration of Kathu Solar Park’s (KSP) first Internship Programme, marking a crucial advancement in equipping unemployed graduates from Kathu, Kuruman, and Deben with the skills necessary to enhance the local workforce and address the skills shortage within the renewable energy sector. The launch event, attended by notable figures and stakeholders from the Northern Cape’s Provincial Government, including the Gamagara Mayor, Cllr Johannes Roman and MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Mr Abraham Vosloo, in addition to other important figures, underscores the widespread support for this essential initiative.
Aligned with KSP’s strategic socio-economic development goals, this programme is specifically tailored to foster the upliftment of local communities. By focusing on skills development, job creation, and economic empowerment, it emphasizes the renewable energy sector’s critical role in driving the region’s sustainable growth.
This initiative represents a concerted effort to fortify the local workforce and mitigate the skills gap in the renewable energy industry, demonstrating KSP’s commitment to both community development and environmental sustainability.
Launched as a pilot in September 2023, the Internship Programme embodies Kathu Solar Park’s (KSP) dedication to fostering sustainable development and economic empowerment throughout South Africa. Spanning both KSP and its operational arm, Kathu Operations (KOPS), the initiative currently supports ten interns—three with KSP and seven with KOPS. This arrangement facilitates a robust professional development journey, merging targeted job-specific training with essential life skills, to equip interns with a well-rounded skill set vital for thriving in the renewable energy sector and beyond.
Focused on enabling young graduates to translate their academic knowledge into practical applications, the programme enhances their employability and prospects within the renewable energy sector. It embodies KSP’s commitment to not only advancing the renewable energy industry but also ensuring its participants are ready and able to contribute effectively.
“We believe that this Internship Programme stands out by integrating job-specific training with essential personal and interpersonal skills development. This holistic approach ensures that interns are well-prepared for the professional challenges they will face in the renewable energy sector, equipping them with the skills necessary for long-term success,” said Cheryl Persensie, Economic Development Manager at Kathu Solar Park.
Looking to the future, KSP has confirmed that it will closely monitor the impact and success of this pilot cohort with the intention to extend the programme’s reach and potentially increase the number of participants in the future. This reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to community development and its vision for a sustainable future powered by skilled local professionals.