Microsoft South Africa invests in local skills

Together with Membathisi Mdladlana, minister of labour, Microsoft South Africa formally announced the opening of the Microsoft Graduate Academy. The academy is a local initiative that aims to address skills development and capacity building in the IT industry. "By providing learning experiences that build the requisite knowledge, skills and understanding for success, initiatives such as Microsoft`s Graduate Academy strive to develop an inclusive environment that further contributes to building a vibrant and healthy economy," says Mdladlana. "This is an example of a true `people`s contract` and collaborative work between government, business, community and labour."

Microsoft is looking to leverage its extensive knowledge and skill set to empower future business leaders and technical staff to promote the growth and development of local IT and intellectual property skills to ensure continued innovation within SA`s IT industry. Designed to address the gap between a tertiary qualification and job experience, the Graduate Academy aims to equip graduates with the tools required to enter the job market.

"The goal of the Graduate Academy is to provide students with the key competencies they need to excel in their future jobs and to further grow an industry that is empowering, inclusive and highly skilled," says Gordon Frazer, managing director of Microsoft South Africa. "Strong local skills enhance economic growth and employment, promote innovation and further encourage technological and cultural advances in SA."

First operating as a pilot internship programme with 12 students entering the academy in August 2004, students are put through an intense technical curriculum including technical and cross-functional competency training, followed by practical experience within the Microsoft Services business where students work alongside Microsoft employees and take responsibility for specific roles and responsibilities.

Working closely with the ISETT SETA, the academy is looking to be accredited to a Learnership NQF Level 6 programme in 2005 that is expected to deliver qualified equity professionals on an annual basis equipped with technical and cross-functional skills based on the requirements of the industry.

On successful completion of the academy, graduates will have the opportunity of gaining employment within Microsoft`s partner and customer network. Over 90% of students are to be absorbed within the greater IT community.

"Training-based programmes not only have an impact in alleviating skill shortages, but more importantly provide critical work experience empowering graduates to determine their own futures," says Oupa Mopaki, CEO of ISETT SETA.

"We are focused on building a great business in a country with great potential," continues Frazer. "As our workforce evolves to reflect the growing diversity of our community and the global marketplace, our efforts to empower and grow available IT skills within SA is critically important."