Alex’s unemployed youth well-armed for the IT world
ALEXANDRA – Unemployed Alex youth edge closer to dream jobs with IT skills.
Despite the coronavirus-induced national lockdown and related stress, hope was provided to 23 unemployed youth including some from Alexandra.
They graduated in an IT Systems Development course through a virtual ceremony on 7 April with others from Braamfontein, Diepsloot and Orange Farm. The course earned them NQF Level 5 certificates in IT Systems Development, accredited by the Media Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority.
The 12-month course, which started in 2017 and is supported by NPO Afrika Tikkun and Services and Grow Right Edge Solutions company, combines practical and theoretical computer proficiency training. In a statement Tikkun’s Chief Executive Officer Onyi Nwaneri said about the course, “It provides advanced computing, computer systems skills, interview etiquette and CV creation to help participants secure their dream jobs.”
Also, Nwaneri said the training fulfills the organisation’s ultimate goal of equipping young people from cradle to career and the 23 graduates have now entered the working world with proficiencies they need to succeed. “IT/ ICT skills already play a huge role in today’s economy, but we believe that they will become even more essential in the coming Fourth Industrial Revolution. The earlier we start training them, the more opportunities our youth will have in the future.”
The ceremony, which was hosted on YouTube, was also addressed by founder and director of the company Jakes Shepherd who said the learners performance was measured on academic achievement, time keeping, teamwork and perseverance.
“Like others, the learnership is an integral part of our commitment to skills development and transformation. We strive in the long term to empower unemployed youth with necessary computer skills and qualifications to enable them to secure jobs.”
Company general manager Sue-Ann Huyser added, “It has been a privilege to be part of the learnership and we will use the joint initiatives to train more youth in technology as they grow into our future leaders.”
Nwaneri lauded the online graduation saying, “It’s fitting for an IT course particularly at a time of the COVID-19 lockdown.
“It gives the graduates something to look forward to, be proud of and fosters hope for their future.”
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