Local online ICT training business Netcampus is using Internet cafes in rural areas to provide technology training to historically disadvantaged individuals (HDI).
Netcampus CEO Jason Perthel says: "The rural areas have been traditionally under-serviced by training providers. It's hard to get the infrastructure out there. Buildings, PCs and the manpower have made it difficult for providers to bring skills development to those areas."
With a completely online model, Perthel says it is using Internet caf'es in the under-serviced areas to bring ICT training to under-serviced communities. "Aside from money, people living in rural areas need access to a PC and the Internet. We are using the caf'es as a channel partner to service those people."
According to Perthel, the company's C3P course, designed to develop skills for the contact centre, would make a great choice for HDI students to start with. Perthel says any student who enrols in the C3P course is guaranteed a job placement directly after the course.
The fees are also structured to aid the students - R1 500 upfront and the rest (R3 500) can be paid off once a student has gained employment. The company also has an agreement with First National Bank for comprehensive student loans.
Internet caf'es are also being given the opportunity to benefit from bringing students to Netcampus. The company has developed netCaf'e, a referral programme that allows the Internet caf'e owners to earn 10% commission on all courses purchased at the caf'e.
How it works
Netcampus development manager Alessandro Mion says the design of the online model makes it an ideal means to develop untapped skills.
He says the Netcampus portal is essentially an online training provider, complete with trainers (or mentors), course material, access to laboratory practical lessons and discussions between students. "The portals make use of all aspects of unified communications and Web 2.0 technologies to bring training to students who may not have access to time, or a brick and mortar training college, says Mion.
He says students are continually monitored by the system, which notes how long or how well students are engaging with the course materials, or trainers. This allows mentors to ensure students are on track with any given course.
Students can access all courseware and mentor discussions through a Web browser, so no software needs to be purchased, or installed on computers.
Perthel boasts that using this system, not a single student has failed any course in the 18 months it has been running. The company offers around 800 individual courses.
Related stories:
Skills shortage doubles
Special call centre rates urged
Highway Africa talks training
Share
