Skills = Power

Hey, 

Welcome to Green Jobs Rising!

In this edition, we spotlight Ondora Mogere Dalton, a solar engineer and trainer who is equipping marginalised youth with clean energy skills through grassroots initiatives like Solar Mtaani. 

Q: What is the most significant challenge hindering youth from fully contributing to Africa's renewable energy sector?
A: One of the biggest barriers is the skills gap, and it’s made worse by the digital divide. Many young people don’t have reliable internet or access to tech, which means they miss out on online courses and tools that are essential for learning today’s fast-changing clean energy tech. Without those skills, it’s hard to jump into the field and help solve energy challenges.

Q: Beyond technical expertise, what essential skills are often lacking in young African professionals entering the renewable energy field?
A: A lot of young technicians have the technical know-how, but they often lack soft skills like communication and networking. Being good at your job is one thing, but being able to connect with people, pitch your ideas, or promote yourself can make all the difference in landing opportunities.

Q: How can Africa ensure its renewable energy training programs remain relevant amidst rapid technological advancements?
A: Training needs to keep evolving. That means updating the curriculum regularly and staying in touch with what’s happening in the real world, like new solar tech or even how AI is starting to be used in energy systems. We can’t stick to outdated teaching methods; we need future-ready learning.

Q: What role should educational institutions play in cultivating the next generation of renewable energy experts in Africa?
A Schools, especially TVETs, should focus more on hands-on, real-world training. One smart approach is the “dual training” model, where students spend about 80% of their time in the field and just 20% in the classroom. Right now, there’s a gap between what’s taught and what the industry actually needs. That has to change.

A: What are some effective strategies for bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience for young people in solar energy?
A: We need more internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-ground projects. Programs like Solar Mtaani are great because they mix classroom learning with real-life solar installations. Things like hackathons, expos, and meetups can also help young people build networks and confidence.

Q: What are the real-world consequences of a poorly skilled workforce in the solar energy sector?
A: Poor training can lead to serious issues, like systems that don’t work well, wrong-sized batteries, or mismatched parts. This causes frustration for customers, reduces trust in solar, and slows down the shift to clean energy.

Q: What opportunities exist for young Africans to contribute to addressing the continent's energy access challenges through renewable energy?
A: There are huge opportunities, especially in off-grid and underserved communities. With over 600 million people still lacking clean, affordable energy, there’s massive potential for young people to step in with smart, sustainable solutions.

Q: What is one key misconception that needs to be addressed regarding skills in the renewable energy sector?
A: A lot of people think that if you’re an electrician, you can automatically work in solar. But that’s not true, solar is its own thing, and it needs specialised training to do it right and safely.