Deadline: 01-Apr-2026
The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) is offering Discretionary Grants for the 2026/27 financial year to support skills development programs in the energy and water sectors. Funding targets industry-relevant programs that address critical and scarce skills, strengthen workforce capacity, and advance priorities such as energy security, water sustainability, and a Just Energy Transition.
Programme Overview
The EWSETA Discretionary Grant program is designed to:
- Build sector-specific skills aligned with national priorities
- Support practical, industry-relevant training in energy and water
- Strengthen the workforce through learnerships, skills programs, and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)
The initiative addresses critical and scarce skills gaps, ensuring learners acquire competencies that directly contribute to sector growth, sustainability, and development goals.
Funding Focus Areas
The grant supports a variety of skills development interventions, including:
- Artisan / Learnership Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL)
- Learnership programs for both employed and unemployed learners
- Skills programs designed for workforce upskilling or entry-level training
- Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) initiatives, including placements at universities and TVET colleges
The focus is on practical, hands-on learning that equips learners with the competencies needed to meet industry demands and national development objectives.
Who is Eligible?
Applications are open to a broad range of stakeholders, including:
- Educational institutions: TVET and CET colleges, universities
- Sector companies operating in energy or water
- Government departments and municipalities
- Industry partners, SMMEs, and NPOs
- Accredited skills development providers
Eligibility Criteria:
- Proposed projects must align with critical skills needs in the energy and water sectors
- Programs should address national priorities, including energy security, water sustainability, and a Just Energy Transition
How to Apply
- Confirm Eligibility: Verify that your organisation or institution meets EWSETA’s criteria.
- Identify Skills Needs: Align your proposal with critical sector skills gaps and national priorities.
- Develop Proposal: Include clear objectives, target learners, curriculum or training plan, and expected outcomes.
- Plan Budget: Outline resources, learning materials, and operational costs.
- Submit Application: Follow EWSETA’s application guidelines and deadlines for the 2026/27 financial year.
Tips for Success:
- Demonstrate alignment with sector-specific critical skills
- Highlight the practical and industry-relevant impact of the program
- Include measurable outcomes for learner competency development
- Ensure compliance with EWSETA reporting and accreditation requirements
Expected Outcomes
- Strengthened workforce capacity in the energy and water sectors
- Increased industry-relevant skills among learners
- Enhanced opportunities for employment, upskilling, and sector mobility
- Contribution to national priorities such as energy security, water sustainability, and Just Energy Transition
FAQs
1. Who can apply for EWSETA Discretionary Grants?
TVET and CET colleges, universities, sector companies, government departments, municipalities, industry partners, SMMEs, NPOs, and accredited skills development providers.
2. What is the focus of this funding?
Skills development programs addressing critical and scarce skills in energy and water sectors, aligned with national priorities.
3. What types of programs are eligible?
Learnerships, ARPL, skills programs for employed/unemployed learners, and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) initiatives.
4. Can projects include university placements?
Yes, WIL initiatives may include placements at universities and TVET colleges.
5. What should proposals demonstrate?
Alignment with sector critical skills needs, practical learning outcomes, and contribution to national development priorities.
6. Are both employed and unemployed learners supported?
Yes, programs can target both employed and unemployed learners.
7. What is the primary goal of the funding?
To strengthen workforce capacity, improve industry-relevant skills, and advance national priorities in energy and water sustainability.
Conclusion
The EWSETA 2026/27 Discretionary Grant offers a critical opportunity for institutions, companies, and organisations to develop practical, sector-relevant skills programs. By targeting critical and scarce skills gaps in the energy and water sectors, the funding contributes to national priorities, workforce development, and sustainable sector growth, fostering a skilled and resilient workforce ready to meet future challenges.
For more information, visit EWSETA.