Academy International echoes CompTIA message

Demos Takoulas, Managing Director of Academy International and Vukani-Ubuntu Community Development Projects, the Pretoria-based computer and commercial training institute and skills development initiative, is a man on a mission. Takoulas forms part of a passionate management team that runs a Pretoria-based company built on a solid framework reinforced by training standards and genuine qualification.

From inception, the academy has established a firm relationship with the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) Africa in so far as credible training and genuine, internationally recognised certification is concerned. The academy includes the CompTIA A+ and Network+ certification as part of its technical IT offering, and also offers further industry-focused IT training such as programming, HTML, etc.

Academy International is perhaps one of the stronger examples of what can flourish when the elements of skills development, authentic training and commerce are bound together.

The institution`s link with CompTIA has also been reinforced through the establishment of the Vukani Skills Lab - a practical IT & Commercial Skills Development Project. The Vukani Skills Lab is a registered non-profit skills development training institute which allows free access to much-needed IT skills for underprivileged youth.

The academy - a private training institution focusing on a number of business-related and IT services - forms a solid private-sector partnership and the two areas of business could be considered separate streams that symbiotically co-exist to provide a comprehensive offering.

CompTIA Africa advocates the necessity of genuine certification and the elimination of fraudulent business practice including trademark infringement and non-regulated, unofficial training practices. As a recognised voice behind the IT industry, the association continues to promulgate the importance of authenticity and standards within the information and communication technology arena.

This is one of several areas of common interest shared by Academy International and CompTIA Africa.

Says Takoulas: "We derive great value from our affiliation to CompTIA Africa. Aside from the benefit of internationally recognised, vendor-neutral certifications such as the A+ certification, we are able to leverage the benefits of an industry representative body - especially one that endorses our own beliefs and value proposition. CompTIA Africa`s advocacy of standards and provision of industry-driven courses is a powerful offering."

In addition, says Takoulas, the establishment of a community-service driven skills development initiative in the Vukani Skills Lab is something that CompTIA also supports.

"The association is heavily involved in the promotion of its Jobs+ program - a practical, skills development initiative that aims to bring the formal and informal business or commercial sector into closer contact with prospective employees. Vukani-Ubuntu is a section 21 company established in 1998 with the idea of empowering individuals with direct, hands-on job-related skills and training. A vital component is job-creation through industry-focused training and secured learnerships."

The scope covered by the Vukani Skills Lab includes IT technicians, help-desk personnel, reception, office areas, call centre, financial management and tourism. The skills initiative is aimed at community development through the establishment of a Youth Line and the Implementation of School-To-Work programmes.

Nhlanhla Goba, Business Development Executive at CompTIA Africa, is part of the management of the Vukani Skills Lab and a strong advocate of school-to-work programmes with their emphasis on an integrated and applied curriculum. According to Goba, there is much to be said for the suggestion of an integrated and applied curriculum to help credible institutions and eager students face challenges in SA.

"An applied and integrated curriculum refers to a curriculum that is designed to raise students` academic and vocational skills. It enables students to succeed either in securing higher paying and satisfying employment, or in having a general career focus when continuing their education in college or technical school. An attempt needs to be made to link academic and vocational education. There are a number of arguments for and against this approach. However, it does appear to be an ideal solution that could facilitate a smooth transition between high school and work and tertiary education."