A Year of Growth, Mentorship, and Real-World Impact - JUWI's Graduate Programme

The renewable energy industry is dynamic, collaborative, and innovation-driven – and for aspiring engineers, JUWI’s Graduate Program offers an ideal way to dive into this exciting sector. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and multi-departmental project exposure, JUWI is committed to equipping graduates with the skills and experience to thrive in renewable energy. With our next intake launching in January 2025, we’ve gathered insights from three recent program graduates, Omolemo Maribe, Chalse Baloyi, and Luxolo Nohambile, to give potential applicants an inside look at their experiences and highlights from the past year.

Omolemo Maribe joined JUWI’s program with a background in Operations & Maintenance (O&M) for solar PV, seeking to gain experience in the “behind-the-scenes” of constructing a solar PV site with advanced technology. “It was an exciting opportunity to broaden my skill set and get hands-on experience with the latest technology,” she shared.

Chalse Baloyi, meanwhile, was drawn to the program by his growing passion for renewable energy during his studies. “The program seemed like the perfect space to grow and learn from experienced engineers,” he said, a belief that was quickly validated as he developed both personally and professionally.

Luxolo Nohambile found the program’s alignment with sustainability and teamwork particularly appealing, saying, “The dedication to creating a sustainable future motivated me, and JUWI’s career growth opportunities felt like a perfect fit for my professional goals.”

Each graduate discovered something unexpected through their time at JUWI. For Omolemo, the complex web of interdepartmental collaboration was eye-opening: “I was surprised by how much work happens behind the scenes – years of preparation, coordination, and teamwork even before construction begins.”

Chalse noted the meticulous attention to detail required at every stage, from component selection to final design. “The energy space is vast, and even within renewables, there’s so much to learn. The program taught me how crucial accuracy is in ensuring a successful PV plant,” he explained.

Luxolo was equally impressed by the depth of collaboration across departments, which revealed to him the “complexity and interconnectedness” of the renewable energy field. “The interdisciplinary teamwork broadened my understanding and highlighted the importance of communication in driving successful outcomes,” he noted.

The mentorship element of JUWI’s program proved invaluable for each graduate’s growth and development. Omolemo was able to set clear goals, receive constructive feedback, and establish a network of connections that she knows will aid her future career. “My mentor’s years of industry experience helped me understand the practical do’s and don’ts, and it felt great to have someone invested in my progress,” she said.

Chalse emphasized how mentorship boosted his confidence, giving him the skills and mindset needed to tackle real-world challenges. “I developed a productive thought process for solving complex problems efficiently,” he shared.

For Luxolo, mentorship not only enhanced his skills and confidence but also provided networking opportunities that have exposed him to diverse perspectives within the industry. “Having an experienced mentor who offered guidance and constructive feedback was pivotal for my career growth,” he said.

The JUWI Graduate Program equips participants with crucial skills and knowledge that set them up for success in the renewable energy industry. Omolemo learned the importance of aligning design work with local and international standards, as well as the role of meticulous process management in a project’s lifecycle.

For Chalse, the program significantly enhanced his data analysis abilities, giving him a strong foundation to excel in an engineering role. Luxolo gained expertise in solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS), project management, regulatory compliance, and sustainability principles – a comprehensive skill set that he knows will be valuable in his renewable energy career.

Each graduate recalled standout moments from their year with JUWI. Omolemo found her experience at the Barberton solar PV plant particularly impactful as her first on-site construction role. Working closely with the construction and commissioning teams, she handled the daily responsibilities of ensuring component accuracy and quality, describing it as a “fruitful exercise for growth.”

Chalse reflected on the continuous support from the JUWI engineering team and the improvement he has seen in his personal and professional life. “The program has helped me grow and learn more than I expected,” he added, grateful for the guidance he received.

Luxolo’s highlight was a collaborative solar energy initiative, where he applied his skills from initial planning to project implementation. The experience underscored the importance of teamwork and communication, and he described the sense of accomplishment as “incredibly rewarding.”

If you’re passionate about renewable energy and have a degree in electrical or mechatronic engineering, JUWI’s Graduate Program offers a structured, supportive, and challenging environment to help you make an impact. Applications for the next intake will open in January 2025.