Careers in demand:
Do your research before making a choice EVEN if there are many study opportunities in South Africa, it is important to research before picking a course of your choice. Ask yourself, will you get a job after finishing your course? Here are four future careers to consider: Solar/wind energy technician Radiation from the sun is converted into electricity. A solar photovoltaic technician takes preventative measures and maintains a solar plant. The technician makes sure all health, safety and environment protocols are followed. The technician must also ensure the solar plant runs to maximum effect and is responsible for drafting technical reports on all events. The job entails assembling, installing, fixing and maintaining solar panel systems. These technicians need to have attention to detail, maths skills and electrical knowledge, as do wind tech-
nicians. Wind power turbine service technicians service, maintain and repair wind turbines. The job involves the inspection, diagnosis and maintenance and repair of wind turbines. They should be able to resolve mechanical, hydraulic or electrical problems. They are expected to inspect the exterior; check the physical integrity of towers; climb towers to troubleshoot or repair turbine equipment; collect data for research and analysis; conduct routine maintenance on the turbines; test the electrical components and systems; test the mechanical and hydraulic systems; and service underground transmission systems, wind field substations and fibre optic sensors and control systems. They also need to be able to replace worn out or non-operational components. Wind technicians must be able to work in confined spaces, though they do also work outside. They also need to be comfortable with heights.
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