Motorola reopens R12.5m training institute

By Damaria Senne for Motorola

Johannesburg, 30 Oct 2006

Motorola aims to address the ICT skills shortage in SA, and the rest of the African continent, by reopening a R12.5 million training institute and forming partnerships with academic institutions.

Last week, Motorola SA reopened its Motorola Cellular Training Institute (MCTI) at its premises in Sandton, Johannesburg.

The centre was reopened to facilitate its expansion at the larger premises in Sandton, where R12.5 million was invested in training equipment. The expansion includes providing training services to African telecoms companies in addition to local ones.

The institute, which has been in existence since 2000, uses Motorola engineers, as well those employed by its customers, to install, operate and maintain GSM equipment and new telecoms technologies, says Motorola SA country manager Judi Nwokedi.

"The centre simulates a real-live network when in use, providing practical experience for learners to take to their workplace," says Motorola VP for global governance Pat Canavan.

Initially, the scope of the MCTI was restricted to SA. However, the new centre has expanded its services to include telecoms operators across the African continent, Nwokedi says.

As Motorola rolls-out services across the sub-Sahara, training requirements became evident, she says. There is also a debate about ensuring the technology is applicable for Africa and there are skilled personnel to install and manage it, she adds.

Academic partners

In addition to the MCTI, Motorola has partnered with Wits Business School to dovetail the university`s academic programme with what the ICT market requires, Nwokedi says.

The two entities are evaluating their needs and will develop a programme, she says. Meanwhile, Motorola executives will deliver guest lectures at Wits, with Canavan delivering the first lecture last week.

Motorola has also partnered with Pretoria University to offer a year-long certificate in wireless telephony, which is aimed at the broader market, Nwokedi says. The company also provides bursaries for inexperienced engineering graduates who wish to enter the cellular industry.

"The aim is that 8% of Motorola staff should be made up of bursars," she says.

Not blind charity

Canavan says the MCTI underscores Motorola`s belief that education is fundamental to the development of emerging markets.

Motorola is committed to developing the most critical asset of the telecommunications industry, namely a core of skilled people, he says.

Canavan says while Motorola is a good corporate citizen, contributing to the skills base is not a blindly charitable act. Providing training also helps build the skills base of suitably qualified personnel in Africa, which Motorola can later recruit. Those that do not later join the company may join other institutions, such as government, which provides an excellent understanding by these institutions of the kind of services Motorola provides, he explains.