Mamiki Matlawa | Executive | Group Business Development | ACTOM | mail me |
The shifting landscape of the energy sector towards sustainability and efficiency will have implications for workforce and skills development, with organisations needing to explore how to navigate this transition effectively.
South Africa’s draft Integrated Resources Plan (IRP) for the energy sector introduces new energy sources such as nuclear, gas and hydrogen into the mix, which calls for proactive measures to be taken to prepare workforces for these incoming technologies. New skill sets will be required for the building and operating of new power plants in the renewables space, while energy storage, which includes smart grid technologies, will need different skills to be developed.
Along with smart technology skills, project management is another specific skill set that is becoming increasingly essential in the energy sector as it transitions to renewable energy technologies and digitalisation. The shortage of project management skills already became apparent during some of the Eskom capital projects, such as the construction of the Kusile plant, which required these skills to be sourced from outside the country.
As a result, organisations will have to place particular emphasis on the significance of upskilling initiatives, partnerships, and inclusive practices to meet the demands of this changing industry, underscoring the importance of investing in future jobs in the energy sector.
Proactive steps
Encouragingly, some industry-leading organisations are already taking steps to proactively prepare their workforce to meet the evolving demands of the energy transition.
Over the past two years, many of these companies have increased their intake of technicians and engineers in training to build up these skills, as they form the base for the newer technologies that will soon be introduced. Beyond this, companies within the energy sector should also invest in tailored training programmes and upskilling initiatives that can potentially play a crucial role in ensuring that employees gain the necessary competencies for the future energy market.
Such initiatives can go a long way to ensuring that both business and government entities are prepared for the new skills requirements. Tailored training and upskilling programmes can be used to develop a diverse set of skills, from design and project management to quality assurance.
Valuable partnerships
Additionally, partnerships between industry players, educational institutions and government bodies can contribute to skills development and address sector-wide needs.
Several industry leaders are already partnering with tertiary education institutions to map out future curriculums that are in step with the future needs of industry. Yet, more could be done in this area, especially considering the value of these partnerships. These types of collaborations are key to the development of workforces of the future as they offer opportunities for focused training and skills development in critical areas where skills gaps exist in the sector.
However, building a resilient and innovative workforce for the energy sector’s future cannot be done without ensuring diversity and inclusivity. This will only happen when companies acknowledge that representation is important to allow new entrants into the job market to participate meaningfully in the sector, as well as to tap into diverse talent pools. Many companies are looking to introduce new policies, for instance, to ensure greater gender representation as they head into the energy transition.
The future of the energy sector looks bright, but with the looming shift to sustainability and efficiency, due consideration must be given to long- and medium-term targets concerning skills capacity building. The transition brings with it tremendous opportunities for growth of the sector and for developing universal access to energy – it is an opportunity our country can hardly afford to miss.
Related FAQs: Energy transition workforce training
Q: What is the energy transition and why is it important?
A: The energy transition refers to the global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. It is important because it aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combat climate change and promote a sustainable future through the adoption of clean energy technologies.
Q: How does workforce development relate to the energy transition?
A: Workforce development is crucial for the energy transition as it ensures that individuals are equipped with the necessary skills and training to work in the evolving energy sector. This includes reskilling and upskilling existing workers to meet the demands of new green jobs in renewable energy.
Q: What role do training providers play in the green transition?
A: Training providers play a vital role in the green transition by offering education and training programs that focus on the skills needed for the clean energy workforce. They help align training with the needs of the labour market and prepare individuals for careers in sustainable energy.
Q: What are green skills and why are they essential?
A: Green skills are competencies and knowledge related to environmental sustainability and renewable energy technologies. They are essential for ensuring a skilled workforce capable of advancing the clean energy transition and addressing the challenges of climate change.
Q: What types of new jobs are emerging from the energy transition?
A: The energy transition is leading to the emergence of new jobs in various sectors, including renewable energy installation, energy efficiency, green hydrogen economy and sustainable energy management. These jobs are crucial for building a robust clean energy workforce.
Q: How does the energy workforce development align with global goals like those set by the World Economic Forum?
A: Energy workforce development aligns with global goals by promoting sustainable practices and preparing individuals for jobs that support the clean energy transition. Initiatives discussed by organisations like the World Economic Forum emphasise the need for a skilled workforce to achieve energy justice and a sustainable energy future by 2030.
Q: What is the significance of vocational education and training in the energy transition?
A: Vocational education and training are significant because they provide practical skills and knowledge necessary for careers in the energy industry. They help prepare workers for specific roles within the energy system, ensuring that the workforce is ready to tackle the challenges of the green transition.
Q: How can stakeholders contribute to energy workforce development?
A: Stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions and private companies, can contribute by collaborating to develop training programs, funding initiatives and creating policies that support workforce development in the energy sector. Their involvement is crucial for shaping the future of the clean energy workforce.
Q: What is a roadmap for clean energy workforce development?
A: A roadmap for clean energy workforce development outlines strategies and actions needed to prepare and train the workforce for the energy transition. It includes goals for reskilling, upskilling and creating new jobs while addressing the needs of the energy infrastructure and the global energy market.