It has been a challenge to get ICT employers to agree on a common research methodology to identify areas of skills shortage.
So says Information Systems, Electronics and Telecommunications Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (Isett Seta) CEO Oupa Mopaki.
He adds that a number of research initiatives have come to different conclusions on the same issues. However, he says this is being addressed. Isett Seta will rally around stakeholders to participate in a collaborative manner in the sector so this matter can be addressed, he adds.
Mopaki reveals that the organisation's goal is to jointly define the roles of each stakeholder in the skills development landscape. “This is for the sector to able to move forward in concert to develop skills.”
He says so far remarkable progress has been made in soliciting stakeholder buy-in.
“The Isett Seta appreciates the key role of ICT as a holding centre of economic activity in our country and beyond.”
Still learning
The year brought about new insights and learning experience as the Isett Seta continued to find better ways of implementing the National Skills Development objectives to address the skills needs of the ICT sector, he notes.
Mopaki points out that the organisation has continued to live up to its mission statement by providing learning and employment opportunities to 1 319 unemployed learners during 2008-2009. “This is an addition to 4 365 unemployed learners who were skilled in the first three years of the National Skills Development Strategy.”
Mopaki says without the commitment of ICT companies to skills development, the organisation's achievements would not have been possible.
“What remains is to raise the bar further and to endeavour achieving even greater performance levels.”
Over the years, the Department of Labour has rated the Isett Seta highly in terms of its performance, he concluded.
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