Johannesburg, 13 Dec 2004
Compuware`s third STEP (Software Testing Empowerment Programme) Academy has produced its third class of 12 previously disadvantaged graduates - all girls.
The academy is part of Compuware`s black economic empowerment strategy and aims to train disadvantaged youths in IT, mainly software testing.
Melindie Coetzee, human resources manager at Compuware SA, says the STEP programme is the most effective way for the company to inject its ISETT Skills Development Levy refunds back into the IT industry and promote ongoing skills development.
The first STEP graduates completed the course in late 2003, with the second graduation in May 2004. "Compuware plans to run at least two to three academy programmes per year," said Coetzee at the time.
"Education is a life-long asset and we all need a chance to go through with it," says Wayne Furphy, country MD of Accenture SA and guest speaker at the graduation. Furphy was nominated for the sixth Annual African ICT Achievers Awards in the category of top ICT educator.
As part of the programme, Compuware provides the students with living quarters for the duration of the training. The company`s investment amounts to around R30 000 per student, which means R360 000 per academy course.
"We are ready now to face the challenges of the real world," says one graduate, Virginia Kgabo Masenya. "All these girls are wonderful and have motivated me and inspired me in such a way that I can`t even believe."
Fellow graduate Annah Majadibodu, who has struggled to find a job since 2003, also expressed her thanks. "I`m standing here today proud, saying thank you to Compuware for giving us this opportunity. I`m ready!"
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