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YES! On the Road | Cape Town, South Africa

YES! On the Road, Cape Town, South Africa, 27 September 2024

On Friday, 27 September 2024, we kicked off the YES! On The Road series in style at the University of Cape Town (UCT), in collaboration with UCT’s Careers Service. This one-day event brought students face-to-face with leading companies in the energy sector, giving them a unique opportunity to explore their career options and connect with top industry professionals.

Who was there

Students had the chance to engage with representatives from major players like Red Rocket, Wartsila, Globeleq, Bowmans, Synergy Consulting, Scatec, Standard Bank, and South Africa’s IPP Office. These companies weren’t just talking about the energy sector—they were there to inspire the next generation, offering insights into how students’ diverse skill sets could fit into the growing energy landscape. Whether you’re studying IT, finance, marketing, law, social sciences, or engineering, there’s a place for you in this dynamic industry!

What happened

The energy in the room was palpable, with students eager to network, ask questions, and gain practical advice on how to break into the energy sector. The event wasn’t just about exploring careers—it was about making real connections. Industry professionals shared not only job opportunities but also tips on how to navigate the recruitment process, making this event a valuable step for anyone looking to build a future in energy.

Why it mattered

The event highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between students and potential employers in a sector as critical as energy. With Africa’s energy future being shaped by innovative companies and young talent, the participation and enthusiasm of students made it clear that the next generation is ready to make their mark.

What’s next

Following this successful launch, YES! On The Road is set to continue its journey, with stops in Nairobi on 11 October 2024 and Togo in December 2024. Additional events in Ivory Coast and other parts of South Africa are also in the works, expanding our reach and creating more opportunities for young people across the continent.

And don’t forget the next big event—the YES! Youth Energy Summit, coming to Cape Town from 18-20 June 2025, alongside the Africa Energy Forum (aef). This will be a landmark gathering for students looking to dive even deeper into the energy sector, offering unparalleled opportunities to engage with industry leaders and explore exciting career paths.

Missed the event? Don’t worry! All sessions were recorded, and you can now access the full presentations and speaker materials on demand for free on YES! Connect. Join the platform to catch up and stay engaged.

Join YES! Connect


Want to partner with us on this and other YES! On the Road Days? Get in touch!

See the Agenda                                         Contact us 

UCT GSB Academic Conference Centre

cape town university

 


 

Partners



 

Agenda

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09:30
  1. 60 mins

    Laying the Foundations for Energy Development, Economic Growth and Youth Employment: The IPP Office as a Catalyst for Future Development and How you can Get Involved.


    The Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (IPPPP) Office has been designed to procure energy, and also been structured to contribute to the broader national development objectives of job creation, social upliftment and broadening of economic ownership. The IPP Office will talk about how their focus on economic development through enegy development will create jobs for you.

    Speaker: Dzunani Makgopa, CFO & Acting Head of Economic Development, IPP Office, South Africa

    IPPO

     

10:30
  1. 30 mins
11:00
  1. 20 mins

    Globeleq is a leading Independent Power Producer in Africa. Since 2002, Globeleq has owned, operated, developed and invested in diversified power projects in Africa.
    As a leading Africa-focused power company, Globeleq seek people who share their values. With the head office in London, United Kingdom and regional offices and power plants in Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Mozambique, Egypt, South Africa and Tanzania, opportunities are available to join the Globeleq experienced teams.

    Speaker: Zimkita Mafenuka, Senior HR Manager, Globeleq

    globeleq

11:20
  1. 20 mins

    Wärtsilä Energy is at the forefront of the transition towards a 100% renewable energy future. Wartsila help their customers and the power sector to accelerate their decarbonisation journeys through market-leading technologies and power system expertise. Wartsila’s solutions include flexible engine power plants, energy storage and optimisation technology, and services for the whole lifecycle of the installations. Wartsila’s track record comprises 79 GW of power plant capacity, of which 18 GW are under service agreements, and over 125 energy storage systems, in 180 countries around the world.
    Wärtsilä offers students various opportunities to work as a trainee or to do their internship at one of Wärtsilä's locations in more than 70 countries. You can advance your career with Wärtsilä before you graduate by participating in the internship programme or completing your thesis. You will be around the most recent technology. The experience will help you to link your academic studies with your future career goals.

    Speaker: Candice Oliver, Country Head, HR Operations, Wartsila

    wartsila

11:40
  1. 60 mins

    With eight offices in six African countries and over 500 specialist lawyers, Bowmans join clients as partners, weaving together legal expertise, local market acumen, and an intuitive grasp of client business.
    Through Bowmans graduate recruitment programme, Bowmans make a variety of graduate recruitment offerings at their respective offices to give graduates access to on-the-job training and mentorship; experience and exposure to various areas of law; and the ability to interact with their highly competent professionals.
    During the recruiter’s spotlight Bowmans will talk through their various graduate programmes and how you can apply:

    •Bowmans Bursary 2025
    •Bowmans Break: Summer 2024
    •Bowmans Candidate Attorney Programme 2026
    •Bowmans Candidate Attorney Programme 2027

    Speakers:
    Tawfeeq Bernard, Associate, Bowmans
    Laurian Polkinghorne, Associate Designate, Bowmans

     

     

12:00
  1. 90 mins
13:30
  1. 60 mins

    Workshop: Preparing a Energy Project for Success: Hosted by: Synergy Consulting


    Synergy Consulting is a Global Leader in Financial and Corporate Advisory Synergy Consulting partner with clients to develop, finance, manage and deliver infrastructure projects, providing their services for Project Financing, Bid Advisory, Procurement Advisory, Development and Equity Capital Raising, M&A, Financial Modelling and Financial Model Audit, Financial Analysis, Feasibility Analysis, Bankability Assessment, Policy Reform, and Training Programs.

    The 1 hours workshop will cover the following to give students an understanding of how financing works in an energy project:

    • Key Steps involved in arranging Project Finance
    • Type of lending - recourse/ limited recourse
    • Sources of Financing:

    - Commercial Banks/ DFIs/ ECAs/Islamic Financing for Debt Finance

    - Cash Equity/Shareholder Loans/EBL for equity Finance.

    Speaker: Praveen Vasant Umredkar, Partner & Head of Africa Practice, Synergy Consulting

    Synergy Consulting

14:30
  1. 20 mins

    Red Rocket is a fully integrated African Independent Power Producer (IPP) and they are on a mission to create clean energy across the continent by harnessing the power of nature’s technologies – sun, water, wind, and earth. Red Rocket develop, build, operate, and manage assets across all renewable energy technologies.

    Speaker: Brigette Kannemeyer, Skills and Development Partner, Red Rocket

    red rocket

14:50
  1. 20 mins

    Scatec is a leading renewable energy solutions provider, accelerating access to reliable and affordable clean energy in emerging markets. As a long-term player, Scatec develop, build, own, and operate renewable energy plants, with 4.7 GW in operation and under construction across four continents today. Scatec are committed to growing their renewable energy capacity, delivered by our passionate employees and partners who are driven by a common vision of ‘Improving our Future’. Scatec is headquartered in Oslo, Norway and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ‘SCATC’.
    Scatec runs an annual graduate programme in its largest market, South Africa, where the company seeks fresh grads for a two-year experience in the world of renewable energy.

    Speaker: Aidan Wildschut, Communications and Public Affairs Advisor, Scatec

    scatec

     

15:20
  1. 30 mins