Alex youth were urged to learn information technology (IT) skills in readiness for opportunities anticipated in the fourth industrial revolution.
The fourth industrial revolution is the fourth major industrial era since the initial industrial revolution of the 18th century.
This was said by Keith Maphutha at a two-week IT training course for 20 youth at Motsweding Training Centre in Wynberg. Maphutha said the course, conducted by IT company Comfortable Tech, included various aspects of information technology. “It’s part of a broader IT curriculum including business and financial management, and communication,” he said.
“The skills acquired will prepare them [students] for roles anticipated in the National Development Plan’s (NDP) projected infrastructure development initiatives for the country by 2030. IT will be at the centre of the NDP implementation and the revolution which should find them ready for the many expected opportunities. Also, the skills will help them start their own IT businesses.”
The company’s Comfort Mogohloane commended the trainees’ passion to advance themselves in IT by following proper processes starting with entry level up to end-user level, which is a requirement by prospective employers. He urged the youth to guard against fly-by-night companies offering IT courses which were costly and issued unaccredited certificates. “We specifically target Alex youth without resources to travel far for accredited training,” Mogohloane said.
He added that they also offered bursaries to schoolchildren and provided youth with access to internships and permanent jobs.
Khaya Ntisana of Thekvest, the course sponsors, commended the initiative as most befitting in June which was Youth Month. “It will help to improve Alex by reducing unemployment, provide youth a base for advanced training and opportunities we will avail for them to interact with executives for experiential training and access to various opportunities,” Ntisana said.
Details: Keith Maphutha 073 071 2809; Comfort Mogohloane 076 153 8428
