Thirteen young graduates from Springbok are building their futures through the Wind Industry Internship Programme. Supported by Kangnas Wind Farm and the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA), the programme gives local youth the chance to gain hands-on experience in the renewable energy sector. By offering training and workplace exposure, the initiative is helping these young people prepare for lasting careers while ensuring the community benefits directly from the wind farm.
Launched in January 2022, WIIP was designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry experience. At Kangnas Wind Farm, interns gain exposure to the day-to-day operations of a utility-scale wind farm, working alongside the operational team.
“The programme plays a vital role in addressing South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis. Beyond offering practical work experience, it provides financial support to young graduates, removing barriers such as transport and professional attire costs, while giving them a real chance to build sustainable careers,” explained Rouchet Daniels, Economic Development Manager for Kangnas Wind Farm.
The group, selected by the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) and drawn from diverse professional and academic fields such as social work, marketing, engineering, human resources, and administration, was chosen for their strong academic performance, leadership qualities, and shared commitment to contributing to the renewable energy industry.
To ensure their success, each intern is paired with a dedicated mentor who provides guidance and professional support throughout their placement. To further prepare them for the workplace, interns also take part in a 10-day Work Readiness Programme, which equips them with essential skills such as computer literacy, communication, and professional etiquette.
“I am thrilled and grateful to be selected for this internship. It’s a dream to contribute to sustainable energy while applying my electrical engineering skills at a wind farm. This opportunity is the first step toward my goal of becoming an engineer and building a career that helps ensure renewable energy is reliably and efficiently delivered to the grid,” said Ronaldo Saal, 2025 WIIP intern at Kangnas Wind Farm.
The programme has already demonstrated its success through past participants, such as Tyrique Engelbrecht, now Operations Plant Intern and Chanique Cloete, who advanced into a 10-month role as an Economic Development Project Officer Intern. Their stories showcase the programme’s ability to create pathways for careers in the renewable energy sector.
