The locally funded Microsoft graduate academy has enrolled another 13 students and is in the process of accrediting the academy to a level six NQF programme.
Microsoft SA service director Pfungwa Serima says the additional 13 students were drawn from across the country, and six of these students are female.
"The first 12 students have successfully completed phase one of the programme. They now move into phase two of the programme geared to provide practical experience within the Microsoft services business."
Serima says this phase covers project engagement and practical job-shadowing, teaching students how to apply the technical skills learnt to the reality of the working world.
He says Microsoft is working closely with ISETT SETA to accredit the academy that kicked off as a pilot project, to a learnership NQF level six programme. He hopes this will be achieved by the end of June.
"The academy programme accreditation will not only help deliver qualified equity professionals, equipped with technical and cross-functional skills, to the tech industry, but provide the graduate with a nationally recognised qualification," says Serima.
He says the first intake of students will complete the programme by July followed by the second intake in December.
Microsoft has promised to employ over 90% of the students within the Microsoft partner and customer network, after they have successfully completed the academy course.
"We hope to exceed our commitment of a 90% placement rate, as well as ensuring the placement of our students into the IT sector specifically at Microsoft or its partner companies in a technical sales or services role."
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