If you have the skills to help fix Eskom's problems, here's a new way to offer your services

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Eskom has launched a new platform that enables those with the right skills to apply to help solve its technical problems

The digital crowdsourcing platform allows applicants to upload their details, and offer specific skills.

"Crowdsourcing differs from recruitment in that it is triggered by specific technical challenges, is not linked to a permanent position, and it targets a talent pool that consists of highly skilled and experienced persons," Eskom said in a statement.

News24 reported in August that Eskom lost more than 500 skilled workers with a combined experience of 13 364 years in just three months this year. Between 2013 and 2022, 18 982 people classified as having top skills left Eskom.

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Eskom said that for the past several months it received "an overwhelming response to its call for highly skilled power-generation personnel to come forward to assist in the operational recovery and rebuilding of skills inside the organisation".

Eskom's database currently has 238 people, and 153 have thus far been shortlisted as potentially "active, skilled, and willing candidates".

About 25 people have been selected for the first phase of the crowdsourcing intake, and they will start work between November and December 2022.

"Additional recruitment will take place as and when required by the business, to meet specific technical needs. To ensure sustainability and to maximise the impact of these skills, each crowdsourced individual is required to transfer skills to the permanent Eskom team that they will work with."  

Eskom encourages those who meet the following criteria to apply:

• Highly skilled electricity-generation experts or technical professionals (e.g., engineer, power plant operator/controller, artisan, technician)
• More than 10 years of related experience
• Able and willing to support Eskom
• Willing to transfer skills and expertise