(ANS – Cape Town – October 8, 2026) – For young people who have been excluded from traditional education and training, solar power is opening a new pathway into the job market. Through its free, accredited solar training program, the Salesian Institute Youth Projects (SIYP), based in Green Point, is equipping young people with practical skills and helping them transition from the classroom to renewable energy projects and, in some cases, permanent employment.

The solar program is part of SIYP’s NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) initiative, which gives young people who have not completed high school or have been unable to access further education and training a second chance to develop formal skills and pursue employment, further education, or entrepreneurship.

SIYP currently offers two solar training pathways: Solar PV Mounter and Solar PV Installer.

The Solar Mounter program focuses on the practical and mechanical aspects of solar installation, including mounting panels, positioning equipment, and routing cables.

The more advanced Solar Installer program includes training in batteries, inverters, electrical connections, and more complex installation requirements.

SIYP provides entry-level training, opening the renewable energy sector to young people who may lack the academic qualifications or previous industry experience required by conventional training institutions.

Building Skills

Establishing the program has required significant investment in infrastructure, equipment, training materials, and specialized workshop facilities. SIYP has invested more than R1 million in its solar training infrastructure.

The solar programs have also undergone an extensive accreditation process, enabling learners to work toward recognized qualifications and assessments within the renewable energy sector.

SIYP aims to train approximately 60 young people each year, including 40 Solar Mounters and 20 Solar Installers.

The training is offered free of charge, creating opportunities for young people who would otherwise struggle to afford technical training.

But the program does not stop in the classroom.

Learners complete theoretical and practical training, including working-at-heights training, medical assessments, first aid, and simulated solar installation work before progressing to hands-on workplace training.

Into the Workplace

The first cohort of Solar PV Mounter learners is already demonstrating the program’s impact.

Two learners, Kelli-Kim Akim and Chenecka Fondling, were selected for workplace experiential training at Fruitpak, a packaging company in Ashton, at a contract site initiated by Lesedi.

They joined a nine-person team installing 1,080 solar panels on the rooftop of the Fruitpak packaging warehouse.

The placement has also highlighted the role women can play in the renewable energy sector, with Akim and Fondling contributing alongside their male colleagues on the installation team.

Lesedi is currently building teams of solar mounters and installers for new renewable energy projects, creating the potential for additional employment opportunities for SIYP graduates.

For Rico-Che Marinus, the journey from training to employment is already becoming a reality.

He is now working for a subcontractor involved in Newinbosch, a major new residential development in Stellenbosch.

Marinus’ role provides valuable hands-on industry experience, allowing him to apply the technical skills he gained through the Salesian Institute Youth Projects’ solar program in a real-world work environment.

From Training to Employment

For Tobin Collins, the program has already led to a permanent career.

Originally from Atlantis, Collins joined SIYP’s solar course determined to enter the renewable energy sector despite significant personal and economic challenges.

He traveled approximately two and a half hours each day to attend training and quickly distinguished himself through his practical abilities, leadership, and commitment to helping his fellow learners.

Collins also lives with a speech impairment, but this has not prevented him from becoming a respected leader among his peers.

His determination to build a better future for himself and his family led him to take on additional work tutoring young people and running a small T-shirt printing business while completing his studies.

Matthew Ridley of New Planet Energy said SIYP learners arrive at work sites well prepared for hands-on experience.

“The Salesian learners come to our sites well prepared for workplace exposure, having completed a medical assessment, a Basic First Aid course, and a certified Working at Heights course. This enables them to get into the actual practicals from the minute they get to the site. They also have been adequately exposed to the components of the solar system and thus understand the instructions issued by the site supervisor. It makes our job of guiding them so much easier!”

Collins’ performance at SIYP led to an internship at a steel plant in Kuils River, where the company recognized his dedication, problem-solving abilities, safety awareness, and hands-on installation skills.

The internship subsequently led to permanent employment. Collins was hired at a competitive salary and given responsibility for managing the new solar system being installed at the plant.

For more information, visit salesianyouth.org.

Source: NovaNews