Since its launch six years ago, 74 young students have passed through Globeleq South Africa’s internship programme. This initiative not only provides much-needed work opportunities in the renewables market but helps to build confidence and helps our country’s talented young people build a career.
The programme is designed to grow capacity for a nascent renewable energy industry and has already spent over R18-million and successfully created a pipeline of qualified talent for the sector.
In celebration of Women’s Month, we have asked Ivy Xekwa, an HR Intern at Globeleq South Africa, who is funded as part of Droogfontein Solar Power’s development programme, to share her experience as an intern in the renewable energy industry.
Ivy fulfills her role as a Human Resources Business Partner, which entails her partnering up with various departments to ensure that anything HR-related is actioned. Plus, she leads performance management and vacancies activities for some of the departments, in addition to the general HR tasks.
Fast Facts: Let’s hear about the basics.
Ivy, 23 originates from the small town of Parys, in the Free State. She is the bearer of an Honours degree in Industrial Psychology, from North West University.
Relocation: Ivy relocated from the Free State to the Globeleq SA offices in Cape Town, to take up this opportunity and speaks about the adjustment.
Ivy says she found the relocation pretty easy. “What made it helpful was the support that Globeleq provided – they sorted out my travel arrangements and even my first month’s accommodation, which was close to work and the shopping centre, so it was easy to get around.”
Although intending on returning home once her contract ends, she says she is definitely open to staying on in Cape Town, if she had a job opportunity.
What’s the job all about: 19 months into the job, she has already flourished.
“It has been a really good first-time work experience and I have had the opportunity to develop and grow in confidence with all the skills I have acquired throughout my internship.”
Her first year contract was extended for a further 12-month period, due to Covid-19, which she says has been a blessing. So, with just 5 months left, she is taking in all that she can in order to benefit to the fullest.
Let’s check out her goals: where to from here?
Wow – her next move is to get a Master’s Degree so that she can become a qualified Industrial Psychologist. “I hope to be able to do this in the next few years once finances allow.”
In the meantime, she’ll be getting her driver’s license!
Thinking clean, green energy: Ivy’s thoughts on renewable energy in South Africa.
Ivy believes that the sector’s growth will help drive the country’s job opportunities for young talent, like herself. The sector not only provides clean power to the country’s grid, it drives the economy too.
Highlights: after almost two years, Ivy is pleased to share the moments that stood out for her.
“The highlight of this experience was visiting Boshof Solar Power, which is situated in my home province. I was lucky to be part of the integration team of this newly acquired power plant. It was a really valuable opportunity for me.”
