YOUNG LOCALS GAIN WORK EXPERIENCE |
November 2022.
Mirko Klassen is among three young trainees, who are gaining on-site practical work experience at Loeriesfontein’s local wind farms, through an engineering service company, Obelisk. This is following the successful completion of the Global Wind Organisation training programme, which is designed to address renewable energy skills shortages amongst community members, as well as indirectly address the high unemployment rates.
“My training experience has been very rewarding, and it has been a great introduction to the renewable energy sector. I am very grateful for the opportunity to do something I have never done before and I am looking forward to pursuing a career in this field,” expressed Klassen.
Implemented under the stewardship of the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) and funded by Loeriesfontein and Khobab Wind Farms, the training programme formed part of a Wind Turbine Service Training initiative, which prioritises skills development and job access in the wind energy sector for the local youth.
“Our goal with this programme is to upskill community members so that they will be able to maintain turbines at our two Loeriesfontein wind farms, as well as others in the Northern Cape district and in fact throughout the country,” explained Vanessa Fredericks, Economic Development Manager for Khobab and Loeriesfontein Wind Farms.