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Empowering the Northern Cape: TEES Launches Renewable Energy Skills Programme in Partnership with IDT

TEES is proud to announce the launch of its Renewable Energy Skills Programme in the Northern Cape, delivered in partnership with the Independent Development Trust (IDT).

This initiative forms part of the broader EPWP Non-State Sector (NSS) Training Programme, aligned with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s strategy, which focuses not only on job creation but on building sustainable pathways for growth, learning, and empowerment.

Strengthening South Africa Through Artisan Development

At the heart of TEES’s mission is a powerful commitment:

To progressively improve the future of South African artisans on a nationwide scale.

South Africa’s economic growth depends heavily on the skills, quality, and availability of artisans. From infrastructure development to renewable energy expansion, artisans are the backbone of national progress.

Through this Renewable Energy Skills Programme, TEES aims to:

  • Improve the quality of artisan training

  • Increase the number of qualified artisans

  • Equip learners with accredited, industry-relevant skills

  • Enable participants to access formal employment or self-employment opportunities

  • Contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s economic development

By investing in skills, we invest in economic growth.

Alignment with EPWP Non-State Sector Objectives

The programme is delivered within the framework of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Non-State Sector (NSS), which was established to mobilise Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) to create work opportunities and address community challenges through structured government support.

Under EPWP Phase V, there is a clear shift toward:

  • Continuous skills development

  • Empowerment of designated groups

  • Sustainable economic inclusion

The programme prioritises:

  • Women

  • Youth

  • Persons with Disabilities

This aligns strongly with TEES’s vision of inclusive artisan development.

Renewable Energy: A Strategic Focus Area

One of the key focus areas is Energy Projects – Solar Panels, which directly connects to TEES’s Renewable Energy Skills Programme.

The Northern Cape, known for its strong solar potential, provides an ideal training ground for future renewable energy artisans. The Renewable Energy Workshop Assistant qualification (NQF Level 4) equips learners with practical knowledge and hands-on experience, preparing them for real industry demands. Through structured training and mentorship, learners gain not just theoretical knowledge, but practical skills that position them for long-term employability.

Partnership with IDT: Driving Community Empowerment

The partnership with IDT strengthens the programme’s impact. IDT’s Skills and Training Programme focuses on empowering communities particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities to transition from temporary work opportunities into sustainable economic participation.

Together, TEES and IDT are building a model that ensures:

  • Accredited training

  • Structured monitoring and reporting

  • Quality assurance compliance

  • Real pathways into employment and entrepreneurship

This collaboration demonstrates how public-private partnerships can accelerate skills development at scale.

A Nationwide Vision Beyond the Northern Cape

While this programme is currently hosted in the Northern Cape, TEES’s mission extends far beyond one province.

Our vision is national.

We are committed to progressively improving the future of artisans across South Africa by:

  • Expanding renewable energy training

  • Increasing artisan certification rates

  • Bridging the gap between training and employment

  • Supporting economic participation in underserved communities

When artisans are empowered, industries grow.
When industries grow, the country prospers.

Calling Future Artisans: Your Opportunity Starts Here

Are you ready to be part of South Africa’s renewable energy revolution?

TEES invites aspiring artisans, unemployed youth, and work seekers to take the next step toward a skilled and sustainable future.

✔ Apply through our Opportunity Seekers Platform 👉🏽 Opportunity Seeker Enrolment Form
✔ Stay updated on new training programmes
✔ Subscribe for upcoming artisan development opportunities

The future of renewable energy in South Africa depends on skilled hands and trained minds and that future starts with you.