September 2025.
Building on the success of a local wind turbine technician training programme, which launched in June last year, four new young trainees have completed the theory portion of their training, with their two months of practical on site training commencing this week.
Now in its second year, the programme has welcomed four young electricians: Simanyene Blouw (24), Lungelwa Magobiyana (30), and Siyamthanda Ngculu (31) from Humansdorp, together with Chuma Lugogwana (29) from Jeffreys Bay. Selected from more than 300 applicants, they are part of the initiative funded by Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm.
Siyamthanda Ngculu, one of the three female trainees, explained how the programme combines electrical, mechanical and hydraulic theory she has learned in the classroom, to a real life environment, “This training combines my classroom knowledge with hands-on practice in troubleshooting and servicing electrical systems. I look forward to the opportunity to learn how turbines operate, practice maintenance on real components, and develop essential safety skills such as working at heights and performing emergency rescues.”
Trainees will receive an accredited Quality Council of Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Occupational Certificate: Wind Turbine Service Technician upon completion of the programme. The training, developed by the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC), a division of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), includes both theoretical and practical components. The six-month course is followed by a two-month workplace experiential learning phase, which will take place on site at Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm, providing these young electricians with real world experience.
Nonini Makhothe, Economic Development Specialist at Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm, highlighted the strong potential within the surrounding communities and the wind farm’s commitment to supporting more local technicians, commenting: “The success of this programme’s first year has shown us just how much potential there is within our communities, and just how capable our young people are. Even more encouraging is the number of young people who applied this year, demonstrating their determination to be part of the renewable energy sector. Their success has inspired us to keep expanding the programme, so that even more local technicians can gain skills, find opportunities, and secure futures in this industry.”
The year’s group follow on from last year’s intake, which included two female electricians, both from Humansdorp community. They recently graduated and are hopeful to take up positions in the industry, carrying this additional qualification with them as they build their careers.
The Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm’s Wind Turbine Technician Training Programme is open to applicants from the communities surrounding the wind farm, including Thornhill, Jeffreys Bay, Humansdorp, Hankey, Patensie, and Lourie. All participants require prior qualifications, such as an NQF Level 4 in Electrician (Light Voltage, Medium Voltage, High Voltage), Mechatronics, Millwright, Fitters and Turners, or a National Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics.
