DE AAR YOUTH BEGIN ARTISAN TRAINING PROGRAMME
Five young people from De Aar and surrounding towns have started a three-year artisan training learnership, opening a practical pathway into technical careers, while responding to the growing demand for skilled artisans in the area.
The Pixley ka Seme district is home to one of the largest clusters of renewable energy projects in South Africa, alongside established mining and agricultural industries — all of which require skilled technical workers.
Harrisinah Theka, Economic Development Manager at De Aar Solar Power, said the initiative is aligned with the area’s development, explaining, “As the renewable energy sector continues to expand across the Northern Cape, there is a growing need for skilled technical workers. At the same time, many young people struggle to access practical training opportunities. This programme provides a clear, hands-on route to qualification while improving long-term employment prospects,” she said.
Drawn from De Aar, Britstown and Philipstown, the participants were selected through a screening process that included a written electrical assessment and interviews with training providers. They will complete their training through the Artisan Training Institute (ATI) in Kimberley, with practical experience taking place at De Aar Solar Power.
The learnership combines structured theoretical training with hands-on experience, enabling participants to complete Phases 1, 2 and 3, as well as a qualifying trade test to become industrial electricians.
For 20-year-old Carlito Julius from De Aar, the opportunity builds on his studies. “After completing my Electrical Engineering studies up to N3, I wanted to gain practical experience and work towards becoming a qualified artisan. This learnership gives me that opportunity,” he said.
He added that gaining practical experience has not been easy, “Although I had the theory, it’s difficult to find programmes that offer both training and hands-on experience. This is an important step for me.”
Also part of the programme is 31-year-old Patience Bonolo Goeiman from De Aar, the only woman in the group, who already has industry experience. She previously worked on a solar plant as a semi-skilled electrician and later spent four years with the De Beers Group as a maintenance operator.
“These roles helped me build practical skills and confirmed that this is the field I want to work in,” said Goeiman.
At the end of the three-year programme, the participants will qualify as industrial electricians, improving their chances of securing work within the local economy.
“By developing local technical skills, we can support industry growth while creating more opportunities for young people in the area,” concluded Theka.