TCM has launched a training academy, which is fully accredited by ISETT SETA and Cisco.
The TCM Academy was officially opened on Friday, 2 November 2007. The TCM Academy launch was held at TCM Academy, located in Bedfordview, Ekurhuleni. TCM purchased the academy premises for the sole purpose of housing the academy; it is a clear display of TCM's belief and confidence in the South African youth and economy. The official opening was conducted by the Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Councillor Duma Nkosi.
Nilesh Singh, CIO of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, was the master of ceremonies at the event. Singh explained that the purpose of the academy is to bridge the digital divide through its training programme, as well providing a broadband infrastructure.
TCM Academy will train 400 previously disadvantaged students a year, depending on the subject choices of the students, consisting of a three-month theoretical learning period, and a remaining nine months of practical learning and valuable experience.
This learning facility will be run by certified assessors and qualified trainers. TCM Academy will provide training in Cisco networking and IBM courses.
"We will be working in conjunction with the EMM Youth Commission, empowering students to obtain certifications on the Cisco range of products," said Jacqui Kunene, TCM Training Executive who piloted the operation. "Our main course offerings will focus on technical support and systems development," she added.
"Education and training, specifically around staff development, has been and continues to be a cornerstone of the company's strategy and is part of the foundation of TCM's success as a sustainable business. While in the past our training has been done on an as-and-when-required basis in order to meet our business objectives to offer world-class service, TCM now has an even more renewed focus on training as a strategic imperative to ensure the company's future growth, given the well recognised dire need and shortage of relevant ICT skilled professionals in the industry," states Kunene.
In concluding the day's formalities, TCM Corporate Sales Director Iqbal Hassim stated that challenges such as the local skills shortage, and the successful development of a setup such as the academy, relies heavily on partnerships. TCM partnered with Cisco and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality on this initiative.
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