Labour minister Membathisi Mdladlana and Microsoft SA have launched the locally-funded Microsoft Graduate Academy, which aims to build capacity within the IT industry.
Opening the academy at Microsoft`s Bryanston offices yesterday, Mdladlana said: "Microsoft has done well in embracing and investing in young people who are willing to acquire better IT skills."
He urged other IT companies and multinationals to emulate what Microsoft had done.
"As part of the Microsoft skills development programme, this initiative recognises the digital divide that affects our country," said Microsoft SA MD Gordon Frazer. "We are trying to empower young people with the IT skills they need to be more effective in the workplace.
"Twelve students started training in August and Microsoft will take 12 additional students who will commence their training in January 2005.
"The academy is operating as a pilot internship programme, but Microsoft is working with ISETT SETA to accredit the programme to a learnership NQF level six programme in 2005."
Explaining how the training works, Frazer said: "For the first six months students receive technical and cross-functional competency training, followed by practical training within the Microsoft services business, where they do actual work with employees, taking responsibility for specific roles."
After successfully completing the academy course, over 90% of the students will be employed within the Microsoft partner and customer network, he added.
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