Rigging qualification: enabling youth to reach new heights

At Enel Green Power we understand that the future of our planet lies in the hands of the young generation, and that is why EGP RSA recently decided to help 20 unemployed youngsters from the Raymond Mhlaba district in the Eastern Cape acquire basic rigging skills. Ten young men and ten young women completed a five-day course which culminated in a graduation ceremony. This took place on September 17, 2021 at our Nxuba wind farm and was attended by members of the government, and EGP country manager and CEO, William Price. The students were commended for their commitment to the program and awarded a Basic Rigging qualification. Getting to grips with rigging theory and practice The course, which was organized by Xakaxa Riggings Projects and Basic Training, gives attendees basic rigging skills that are aligned with legislative safety standards and job requirements. This includes the inspection, selection and safe use of lifting tackle to lift, move, lower and stack loads. The program combines theoretical study with practical exercises to teach students about the statutory requirements, general safety and safe use of lifting tackle, machines and lifting operations, and to provide basic slinging and hitching skills. It is a Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 3-accredited qualification by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). “These young men and women have taken the positive step of learning a new skill. Their new rigging qualification will boost their employability and allow them to find work on sites such as ours around the country where this type of skill is required.” William Price, Country Manager, EGP RSA Creating opportunities for South African youth One of EGP RSA’s core values is uplifting the communities where we operate. While we produce sustainable energy, we also believe that sustainability means doing business the right way, alongside the community. Many of the projects we are involved in, on various power plants, focus on developing income-generating skills, which in turn increase the chances for unemployed youth to find ways to generate sustainable income and improve their standard of living. Because unemployment is so high in the country, we are pleased to be part of the solution aimed at addressing this enormous challenge. The rigging qualification enables the graduates to work as Rigging Assistants during the construction phase at wind farms or power plants or at port and other construction sites where cranes are used to move equipment or where heavy lifting is required. This is important for the Raymond Mhlaba community, which suffers from high levels of poverty and where young people are in desperate need of marketable skills. After engaging with community leaders and stakeholders, EGP RSA established that rigging skills would create value for young people locally by boosting their employability and enhancing their job prospects. “Providing young people with work skills is more important than ever. The unemployment rate in South Africa has always been high, but the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed this rate even higher and had a debilitating effect on many sectors of the economy,” said Price. Promoting local entrepreneurs A beneficiary of our Economic Development initiative, Friends Music Production, provided entertainment on graduation day. This small business was funded by EGP RSA to set up a fully equipped music production studio while being part of a fully funded mentorship program to improve the quality of the studio’s output. Today, Friends Music Production has created five additional jobs and has collaborated with other South African artists in the music and television industry. Furthermore, Eastern Cape Tourism award-winner, the Amasomi Media company, which was the event photographer and videographer, was also a recipient of EGP RSA funding in 2019, enabling it to purchase new equipment. This led to significant growth for the business, which is now part of the production of the television series, “DAM,” which airs on Showmax. The graduation ceremony was also attended by Hope Khoza. He is a beneficiary of EGP RSA’s Skills Development program at our Nojoli wind farm. He is the office manager for the SMME Business Compliance & Support Services Centre and today he works with local businesses to help them meet the legal compliance standards of various regulatory bodies. “While Nxuba is located in an isolated farm area, it is rewarding to know that we can have a tangible impact on the lives of local community members, whether it is employing them on-site during the construction phase of our projects, or providing them with funding and skills to improve their living standards and opportunities for success,” Price concluded.

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Rigging qualification: enabling youth to reach new heights

Rigging qualification: enabling youth to reach new heights