Renewable energy skills mapping and labour market analysis in the Western Cape

Abstract

This research examines key aspects of the renewable energy skills landscape, with a focus on priority sectors identified as having high potential for inclusive renewable energy (RE) value chain localisation, and development, in the Western Cape. The analysis includes occupation and skill requirements, national and provincial employment trends, insights from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, and perspectives from industry. By integrating diverse sources of information, the study offers a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the skills landscape underpinning these sectors. High levels of technical skills are needed within the sectors, with considerable overlap across sectors. Although the TVET colleges differ in their approaches to renewable energy training, all have demonstrated a commitment to providing this training. Most businesses identified deficiencies in soft skills as critical workforce challenges, as well as limited access to financing and unpredictable demand as core barriers to growth. Business insights highlight the importance of a versatile and agile workforce capable of responding effectively to changes in market demand. Embedding renewable energy content into existing TVET qualifications may assist in the development of such a workforce by producing graduates with the requisite agility and foundational expertise to meet changing demand dynamics.