Executive Summary
South Africa faces a dual challenge of persistently high youth unemployment and an urgent need to transition to a low-carbon, sustainable energy system. Youth unemployment rates remain among the highest globally, particularly affecting young people from townships, informal settlements, and rural areas. At the same time, the country’s reliance on fossil fuels, aging energy infrastructure, and frequent power shortages highlight the necessity of accelerating renewable energy development and skills transformation.
This project proposes a comprehensive Youth Green Jobs and Renewable Energy Skills Development Program aimed at equipping unemployed and underemployed youth with market-relevant skills for South Africa’s growing renewable energy and green economy sectors. The initiative will focus on solar, wind, energy efficiency, and green entrepreneurship, combining technical training, digital skills, workplace exposure, and job placement support. By aligning skills development with national energy transition priorities, the project seeks to improve youth employability, promote inclusive economic growth, and support South Africa’s just energy transition.
Background
South Africa’s economy is undergoing a structural transition driven by climate commitments, energy insecurity, and global market shifts. The country has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding renewable energy under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). Renewable energy projects under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) have demonstrated strong potential for job creation, particularly in solar and wind energy.
Despite this potential, a significant skills mismatch exists between labor market demand and the capabilities of the youth workforce. Many young people lack access to technical training, certification, and work experience required to enter the renewable energy sector. Barriers are especially pronounced for women, youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, and those living in former coal-dependent regions.
The South African government has emphasized green skills development through policies such as the Just Energy Transition Framework, National Development Plan, and youth employment strategies. However, scalable and inclusive programs are needed to translate these policies into tangible employment outcomes. This project responds to that need by linking skills development directly to job pathways in the green economy.
Problem Statement
Youth unemployment in South Africa remains critically high, while the renewable energy sector faces shortages of skilled technicians, installers, and maintenance workers. Without targeted interventions, young people risk being excluded from emerging green job opportunities, undermining both social stability and the success of the energy transition.
Key challenges include:
- Limited access to accredited renewable energy and green skills training
- Lack of practical, hands-on experience and industry exposure
- Gender and geographic inequalities in skills development opportunities
- Weak linkages between training providers and employers
- Insufficient support for youth-led green entrepreneurship
Addressing these challenges requires integrated programs that combine skills training, employment support, and industry partnerships.
Project Goal and Objectives
Overall Goal
To increase youth employment and participation in South Africa’s renewable energy and green economy sectors through targeted skills development and job placement support.
Specific Objectives
- Equip unemployed youth with market-relevant technical and digital skills in renewable energy and green industries.
- Improve employment outcomes through apprenticeships, internships, and job placement services.
- Promote inclusive participation of women and marginalized youth in green jobs.
- Support youth-led green enterprises and local value chains.
Project Methodology
The project will adopt a demand-driven, partnership-based, and youth-centered approach. Training curricula will be aligned with industry needs and national qualification frameworks. Implementation will emphasize experiential learning, mentorship, and career guidance.
Key methodological elements include:
- Labor market and skills demand assessments
- Competency-based technical training and certification
- Blended learning combining classroom, digital, and hands-on components
- Strong partnerships with renewable energy companies and training institutions
- Continuous monitoring and adaptive learning
Implementation Plan
- Component 1: Skills Assessment and Participant Selection
- Outreach and recruitment targeting unemployed youth aged 18–35
- Gender-responsive and inclusive selection criteria
- Baseline skills assessments and career profiling
- Component 2: Renewable Energy and Green Skills Training
- Technical training in solar PV installation, wind energy maintenance, and energy efficiency
- Digital skills for smart energy systems and data monitoring
- Health, safety, and environmental standards training
- Soft skills including communication, teamwork, and workplace readiness
- Component 3: Work-Based Learning and Job Placement
- Apprenticeships, internships, and on-the-job training with industry partners
- Job matching and placement support services
- Career coaching and mentorship by industry professionals
- Component 4: Green Entrepreneurship and SME Support
- Entrepreneurship training for youth interested in starting green businesses
- Business development services and access to seed funding
- Support for cooperatives and community-based renewable energy enterprises
- Component 5: Partnerships and Policy Engagement
- Collaboration with government agencies, private sector, and training providers
- Alignment with national youth employment and energy transition initiatives
- Knowledge sharing and advocacy for green skills development
Monitoring
A results-based monitoring framework will track progress across training, employment, and inclusion indicators. Data will be collected through training records, employment tracking, employer feedback, and participant surveys. Gender-disaggregated data will ensure inclusive outcomes and accountability.
Evaluation
Independent mid-term and final evaluations will assess relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and impact. Evaluation metrics will include employment rates, income changes, employer satisfaction, and contribution to renewable energy deployment. Lessons learned will inform scale-up and replication.
Conclusion
South Africa’s energy transition presents a unique opportunity to address youth unemployment while advancing climate and development goals. Investing in youth green skills is essential for ensuring that the benefits of the transition are inclusive and sustainable.
By equipping young people with renewable energy skills, linking them to employment pathways, and supporting green entrepreneurship, this project will contribute to job creation, energy security, and a just transition. The initiative aligns with national priorities and global commitments, making it a strong candidate for donor, government, and private sector support.
