CAREERS and bursaries

PLANNING YOUR FUTURE

ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT SAVING MOTHER EARTH AND EMBRACING GREEN ENERGY? WE HAVE CAREER OPTIONS FOR YOU.

By: Lusanda Tamesi

Nearing the end of high school brings up questions like: Will my exam marks be good enough? Where will I get the money to fund my studies? How do I know which career to follow?

The uncertainty of the future can be stressful, so we’ve gathered a few career options for you to consider.

Why should you consider the renewable energy industry? For South Africa to meet the challenges posed by climate change, we need to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. South Africa’s energy future supply is under constraint and we need more trained young people to drive the change to a green future. Is that you?

WIND TURBINE TECHNICIAN

Wind turbine technicians handle the installation and maintenance of wind turbines. These technicians are in high demand as there is a rapid growth of wind-based power plants in the country.

What does the job entail?

- Inspecting, maintaining, installing and repairing wind turbines. - Climbing high up to turbines (you must be able to withstand heights). - Fixing problems that could lead to a turbine default. - Communicating site safety information. - Operating and maintaining hydraulic systems.

Where can I study?

- CPUT (Bellville campus) - Northlink TVET College - Lovedale TVET College - Centre of New Energy Systems (CNS) at University of Pretoria - University of Johannesburg - Buffalo City TVET College

Certificates, degrees, and diplomas:

- National Certificate: Welding Application & Practice NQF Level 4 (Northlink) - National Certificate: Civil Engineering and Building Construction (Buffalo City TVET College) - Diploma in Civil & Chemical Engineering - Diploma in Mechanical Engineering in Mechatronics - Diploma in Construction - Bachelors Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering - Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in Energy Studies

SOLAR INSTALLER

Also known as a PV installer (photovoltaic), a solar installer provides sustainable and environmentally friendly energy. Solar energy can be used to generate electricity or to cool or heat buildings.

What does the job entail?

- Grounds necessary equipment. - Ensure safety standards are met. - Connect PV to a power grid.

Where can I study?

- Northlink TVET College - Northern Cape Urban TVET College - False Bay TVET College - CPUT (Bellville Campus) - Central University of Technology - Stellenbosch University - Mangosuthu University of Technology

Certificates, degrees, and diplomas:

- National Certificate: Hot Water Installation NQF Level 2 (Northlink TVET College) - A course in solar water heating installation (NQF Level 4) - National Certificate (Vocational) Engineering & Related Design: Welding - Dip in Mechanical Engineering (Mangosuthu University of Technology) - Dip in Mechanical engineering (Central University of Technology) - BEng in Mechanical Engineering

WIND ANALYST

A wind analyst is part of the meteorology family, and studies how winds can be utilised as an energy provider. In technical terms, they are meteorological experts that study the effects of wind and also study landmarks where wind farm sites could be built.

What does the job entail?

- Planning wind farm sites. - Creating wind maps. - Writing reports. - In-depth research.

Where can I study?

- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University - University of Johannesburg - UNISA - Wits - Stellenbosch University - University of Cape Town

Certificates, degrees, and diplomas:

- NDip in Civil Engineering - BTech Civil Engineering - BSc in Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies - B.Sc in Environmental Science - B.Sc in Meteorology - Bachelor of Science (UFH)

WHERE TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT

1/ Sappi

Bursaries cover tuition, registration, books, residence and living allowances. The total value of the bursary depends on the household income situation of the applicant. Applications are open to South African citizens intending to study fulltime at any South African accredited TVET college/ university.

The bursary is for school-leavers between 18 and 25 years old who have achieved the following matric results:

- Mathematics: 70% - Physical sciences: 70% - English: 60%

Supporting documents required:

- Certified ID copy of the student - Certified copy of matric certificate - Latest examination results or Grade 12 final results - Proof of tertiary registration - Proof of household income - Latest CV

Bursaries are given for undergraduate studies and national diplomas in:

- Bachelor of Science/bachelor of mechanical engineering - Bachelor in: electrical, chemical and civil engineering, or Mechatronics

How to apply:

Apply online on the Sappi website – sappi.com

Deadline:

30 September 2021

Contact:

Human Resources at Sappi: Lebo Shabangu Tel: 011 407 8111 Email: youngtalent@sappi.com

2/ IMESA

IMESA provides financial assistance for students who want to study Civil Engineering or any related IMESA field fulltime through the bursary scheme. The bursary covers tuition and book fees and also provides mentors for students to participate in IMESA activities. In order to receive this bursary, you need to study full-time at a recognised tertiary institution and be in your second year.

Bursary requirements:

- Intending on studying full-time in Civil Engineering or any related field - Excellent academic record - Proven financial need statement - Proof of enrolment

How to apply:

1. You can get the application form on the contact below 2. Send certified copies of the below along with your application form: - South African ID - Affidavit of the household’s monthly income - Undersigned student’s academic progress statement from the applicant’s institution - Mid-year academic results

Submit the above-mentioned documents to:

The Admin Officer: IMESA Post: P O Box 2190 Westville 3630 Email: bursaries@imesa.org.za Tel/Fax: 031 266 5094

Deadline:

From June–15 September yearly