Business and the public sector are coming closer together to improve the skills base in the IT sector, although there is still a long way to go.
CS Holdings CEO Annette van der Laan says many people in the sector still believe that addressing a lack of suitable skills among previously disadvantaged individuals is the problem of universities and other tertiary institutions.
"But it is in fact our responsibility to train previously disadvantaged individuals," she says. "We must change our attitude of wanting to sit back and complain."
Van der Laan says earning a certificate is not enough. "We have been in training for many years and we are disappointed that so many people paid so much for their children to get MCSEs and so on, and yet they can`t find a job. It`s important to rectify that through learnership programmes where the curriculum changes each year to keep up with product changes."
CS Holdings is running a learnership programme in which 40 people sent by government are participating. By 2005, government wants at least 500 learnerships in the information and communications technology industry, she says. "We view it as a long-term investment for the industry and, of course, our own company."
Van der Laan says the idea behind the year-long learnership programme, which she would like to see standardised across the industry, is similar to the learnership concept in the accounting and auditing industry.
"In accounting and auditing groups about 40% of people are in learnerships, doing their articles and so on, for three years at a low salary. The difference between an accountant with a degree and one who has done articles is huge."
She says the IT industry would be transformed if such a concept could be introduced, where learners spend a year working at a standardised salary, undergoing both theoretical and practical training.
After that period, the company could elect to employ the learners or place them in the industry.
Van der Laan says businesses and the public sector are beginning to buy into the vision. The State IT Agency, IBM and MGX, as well as large financial institutions such as Absa and Nedcor, have expressed a willingness to participate.
Small companies without training resources could let their learners do their theoretical component at a group such as CS Holdings, but the practical component would be done at that company.
"We have to pull together and work out a model to enhance skills in the industry."
While many people look at IT training in India as the example to follow, Van der Laan, who visited India recently, says it would be a while before SA could compare.
"They have very effective training there, but they also have a culture of learning. We still need to develop such a culture here."
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