Unemployed youth to get a hand from Vodacom
MIDRAND - According to executive head of Vodacom, Mthombeni Thengimfene, skills in Information Communications Technology (ICT) are scarce and to target this they have launched a youth skills development programme.
On 6 November at the eco-friendly building in Erand Gardens at Vodaworld, Vodacom and its partners, the Independent Development Trust and Cisco launched the programme.
Delegates were gathered at 12pm on the day to explain and officially announce the skills programme that has been running since last year.
One of the benefactors, Sithembiso Khoza explained the programme by saying it developed him as an individual. “I had been looking for a job or a means to study IT at tertiary level for over a year after matric, when IDT identified me as one of the candidates it would put through this programme.”
Khoza had been identified due to his involvement with a non-profit organisation that was receiving assistance from the IDT. He advised other potential participants to make their willingness to join the programme known by availing themselves at IDT.
Cisco is the quality controller of the courses and trains the instructors, and Vodacom will be paying for the training that is provided.
The cellphone giant will also be providing the facilities to be used for the study of these skills.
“Our approach at Vodacom is to use ICT to improve lives,” said Thengimfene, explaining their involvement in the programme.
A further incentive for potential pupils is that there is a stipend that is on offer for the six-month course. As part of the skills training, the youth will receive training in A+, N+ and 3G connectivity.
