IT solutions and services provider Datacentrix and Microsoft have launched a joint skills development initiative: the "Microsoft/Datacentrix Student 2 Business programme" to improve the level of skills in the ICT and business-related sectors in the country.
The Microsoft/Datacentrix Student 2 Business programme aims to equip students of the Datacentrix Skills Development Programme with the key competencies necessary for them to excel in their potential careers and to help grow the local IT industry.
After graduating from a tertiary institution on the theoretical component, candidates are further trained in the latest software and technology applications for practical skills, through classroom training, industry workshops and individual mentorship.
These students are employed through Datacentrix for the duration of the programme. Datacentrix, a Microsoft Gold Partner, will oversee the programme, planning initially to train a total of 18 black students countrywide - 12 in Gauteng, three in Cape Town and three in KwaZulu Natal.
On the successful completion of the programme, each of the graduates is given the opportunity of potentially gaining employment within the Microsoft's partner and customer network - and later on, may successfully be placed in a permanent position.
After a year of training, Datacentrix is given the first option to offer the students permanent employment. "As the South African workforce evolves to reflect the growing diversity of our community and the global marketplace, Microsoft and its partners' efforts to empower and grow available IT skills within South Africa are critically important," says David Ives, developer and platform group director at Microsoft SA.
The S2B programme aims to supply Microsoft partners and customers with entry-level IT skills, aligned with industry demand, in niche areas of the market and in line with the government's specific ASGISA (Accelerated Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa) objectives.
Says Datacentrix HR director Annelie van Wyk: "A strong local skills pool promotes economic growth, gainful employment, innovation and further encourages technological and cultural advances in South Africa. Datacentrix's willingness to address the South African unemployment crisis and skills shortage among previously disadvantaged groups with no previous practical training or experience, was one of the key factors that Microsoft took into consideration when making this decision to partner with us for this special project.
"Students attending the Datacentrix Graduate Academy will receive a globally-recognised Microsoft certification, practical support and engineering experience within a listed company and its corporate-level clients. In addition, they are paid a salary and given quarterly performance reviews," she explains.
"Datacentrix fully supports Microsoft's goal to empower and grow industry skills within South Africa and we look forward to seeing the successful outcome of this joint effort," Van Wyk adds.
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