Reskilling, upskilling + training
Renewable energy opens careers for SA youth
Young South African participants in the Mulio Danish Vocational Programme.
S outh Africa’s renewable energy industry is emerging as a key driver of economic growth and job creation, offering a wide range of future-focused career opportunities. Research forecasts between 85 000 and 275 000 new green jobs by 2030, particularly in energy and power production. Solar energy alone is expected to generate around 140 000 roles across technical, commercial and operational disciplines. Irma Pienaar, Chief Operations Officer at Mulilo, highlights that the renewable energy sector is so diverse there is a place for everyone, unless the position calls for a very specialised field of study. “Engineering disciplines – including mechanical, electrical, civil and chemical – are in high demand. Finance professionals, legal experts, project managers and quantity surveying specialists are also highly sought after in the industry.” Skills in these areas are essential to ensure renewable energy projects are technically sound, financially viable and delivered on time. Engineers design and optimise energy systems, finance professionals manage budgets and investment, legal teams navigate complex contracts and project managers coordinate complex timelines and stakeholder engagements. “The great thing about these career paths is they can be applied anywhere in the project lifecycle,” Pienaar adds. “This flexibility allows young professionals to find roles that align with their interests and strengths.” Education and training pathways For many roles in the sector, a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree or a BSc in Engineering is typically preferred. However, diplomas in relevant fields, coupled with practical experience, can also open many doors. Recognising the importance of hands-on training, renewable energy companies – including Mulilo – are expanding graduate and vocational programmes to support youth as they enter the industry and bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application. Mulilo’s social impact initiatives include the Danish Vocational Programme (DVP) [1] a flagship skills-development programme launched in 2025 and now entering its second phase with a new intake. The anchor funders of the programme include the Mulilo
Community Trusts, namely, the Mulilo Prieska Solar Community Trust, the Mulilo De Aar Solar Community Trust and the Mulilo Wind Community Trust. The programme is delivered in partnership with Mulilo’s majority investor, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), and the Danish government. It enables students from local communities to access specialised vocational training abroad, equipping them with critical technical skills in the sector. In addition, Mulilo runs a two-year graduate programme and will launch an internship programme in 2026. What SA’s youth bring to the sector On this question, Pienaar offers a considered view. “Each generation brings its own benefits,” she says. “We notice that the generation coming through is a ‘lazy generation’, which sounds negative, but is actually positive and welcomed. What we mean is that they are challenging conventional methods of doing things and [in some instances] finding shorter, innovative ways to achieve the same result.” She says this ability to think differently, combined with technical or commercial qualifications, will help youth drive innovation across the renewable energy value chain. South Africa’s renewable energy sector is still young, but the growth trajectory is strong as the country works towards cleaner, more reliable energy sources. Beyond energy generation, renewable energy projects unlock unique opportunities for remote and under-served communities. “A typical renewable energy plant has an operating lifespan of about 20 to 30 years, which means it is also a 20 to 30-year investment in the local communities where the plant is built,” says Pienaar. “This unlocks opportunities like bursaries, job creation, vocational training, internship opportunities, support for local businesses and socio-economic development programmes.” For young South Africans considering their career paths, the renewable energy sector offers exciting employment prospects and the chance to build sustainable careers that contribute meaningfully to economic growth and community upliftment.
Reference [1] https://www.mulilo.com/social-impact/
For more information visit: www.mulilo.com
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