West Coast College recently hosted a national Train-the-Trainer session in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), focusing on the Solar Photovoltaic Service Technician programme. Held at the College’s Vredenburg Campus, the week-long session welcomed the first cohort of TVET college lecturers from across the country, as part of a national effort to expand renewable energy training offerings.
The training provided participants with practical, hands-on experience in solar photovoltaic system installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting—key skills required to successfully deliver the Solar Photovoltaic Service Technician occupational qualification at their respective colleges.
A second cohort of lecturers is expected to undergo similar training later this year, strengthening the national skills base in support of South Africa’s transition to renewable energy.
West Coast College Principal, Mr Lungisa Mbulawa, expressed his pride in hosting the programme: “We are honoured to have hosted the lecturing staff from the various colleges at our campus and trust that the training they received will be put to great use as we grow the footprint of Solar Photovoltaic Service Technician training in South Africa.”
Participants found the experience highly rewarding. Ms Thandeka Nkosi, a lecturer from Tshwane North TVET College’s Mamelodi Campus, shared her reflections on the training: “As the PV system training comes to an end, I can confidently say that the experience has been both enriching and empowering. The sessions have deepened my understanding of PV technologies, encompassing system design and installation, as well as maintenance and troubleshooting. The hands-on approach and collaborative environment made the learning process engaging and practical. I now feel better equipped to apply these skills in real-world settings, and I’m looking forward to sharing what I’ve learned with the students I’ll be teaching back at my college and to supporting others in the field. Overall, it has been a valuable and inspiring journey of growth. I am looking forward to implementing the knowledge and skills gained during the training at my college. This training has equipped me with practical and up-to-date expertise in PV systems, which I believe will greatly benefit my students. I’m eager to incorporate more hands-on learning and real-world applications into our curriculum to better prepare them for opportunities in the renewable energy sector. Considering that colleges are increasingly focusing on occupational skills, this training has been extremely productive and timely.”
West Coast College remains committed to being a leading force in green skills development and supporting the just energy transition through innovative, industry-responsive training programmes.
