HP today commended a group of more than 100 learners who successfully completed their IT learnerships through the HP Business Institute (HPBI), a large-scale enterprise development initiative launched by HP in 2008.
A total of 111 students were honoured for successfully completing their learnerships, referred to as HPBI Techie 101 and HPBI Techie 201. The 12-month learnerships are NQF levels 4 and 5 respectively, and combine theoretical training with practical workplace experience.
Today's group of learners brings the number of learnerships since the programme's inception to 645.
The HP Business Institute forms the cornerstone of HP South Africa's broad-based black economic empowerment strategy. As the first multinational to be granted government approval to implement an equity equivalent programme, the HP Business Institute is a large-scale enterprise development initiative driven primarily through skills development. It seeks to build capacity and drive wealth creation in small to medium enterprises, upskill young graduates and create sustainable employment opportunities.
Speaking at the event in Newtown was Frank van Rees, Managing Director of HP South Africa. “The class of 2011 is evidence of the programme's continued success. Not only do we impart transferrable skills upon these learners, but we equip them to be workplace-ready and become active economic citizens.”
In his address, Van Rees highlighted the fact that 70% of learners on the programme have either gained full-time employment or employment in continued learnerships.
The HP Business Institute programme seeks to align to government's New Growth Path Initiative by placing emphasis on skills and enterprise development. “By working closely with our channel partners and key public and private sector stakeholders, we are enabling a new generation of IT professionals that are equipped to drive economic growth through entrepreneurship and innovation,” added Van Rees.
Nomonde Mesatywa, Chief Director for Black Economic Empowerment at the Department: Trade and Industry, was one of the dignitaries who spoke at the event. “Key strategic partnerships with the private sector are key in catalysing skills development and entrepreneurship for designated groups, specifically black youth and women. This enables entry into the workplace and sustainable black enterprises,” said Mesatywa.
All 111 learners who graduated today have been rated as 100% competent by the Media, Advertising, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT Seta). “We have a longstanding relationship with the HP Business Institute. Through this partnership, we have delivered quality learning programmes culminating in employment for young graduates,” said Oupa Mopaki, Chief Executive Officer of the MICT Seta.
The HP Business Institute recently launched a new intake of HPBI Techie 101 and HPBI Techie 201 learners and will continue its regional expansion in 2012 and beyond.
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