How IBM Is Improving IT Education & Training In South Africa ?

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Information technology has become an integral part of our business, our society and our lives. Advanced technologies are helping our business leaders to reach the next level and significantly contribute towards national development. It is for this reason that currently there is a strong need for individuals with excellent IT skills and knowledge. Many institutes across Africa are taking steps to provide various information technology training programmes to aspiring learners and prepare the next generation of IT professionals.

South Africa Focuses on IT Skills

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IBM South Africa, along with the Department of Trade and Industry, recently introduced the initial phase of probably the largest EEIP (Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes) in South Africa, the R700 million IBM South Africa Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Equity Equivalent Investment Programme. Rob Davies, Minister of Trade and Industry, launched the programme with enthusiasm in January for a duration of 10 years. It is believed the programme will develop a research hub across South Africa and promote enterprise as well as skills development.
During the launch, IBM claimed it was dedicated to facilitate education and skills development in the region, especially in the fields of technology and science. The organisation is focused on building Johannesburg as a research hub and support effective enterprise development. Mzwandile Masina, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, recently spoke at the launch of the EEIP and urged more multinationals to take active part in the programme and help in the national economic development.

He said “The equity equivalent programmes are expected to contribute towards the achievement of enterprise creation and development, foreign direct investment, accelerated growth and development of black rural women and youth, sustainable growth and development, human development with focus on education and skills development, infrastructure investment with an emphasis on developing the country's research and development infrastructure.”

IBM EEIP South Africa 

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The IBM South Africa EEIP includes 3 interdependent and integrated factors, developed and promoted by IBM Research Africa, specifically Enterprise Development Programme, Academic Programme and Research Programme. The first component is primarily meant for supporting businesses owned by black natives, which will especially focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Moreover, it will also facilitate in training and educating the youth regarding communication, information and technology industry.

Rob Davies added “In terms of the company's commitment, I have granted IBM South Africa the full 20 points under the ownership element of the B-BBEE codes for their participation in the programme.” Moreover, Masina said “This is a transformation programme that supports industrialisation and entrepreneurship. It will assist in addressing the challenges of inequality, poverty and unemployment.”

Developing the Right IT Skills 

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Apart from IBM South Africa, currently many other institutes and organisations are offering IT training and education courses for aspiring learners and empowering them to contribute to the business world and overall community. These IT courses online have been specifically developed for individuals who are already working and want to acquire advanced IT skills. Moreover, it also allows aspiring students to acquire relevant work experience while they study. As online IT courses are highly affordable you can easily acquire the right IT skills without taking out any student loans.
However, if you are concerned about the quality of education & training offered by online computing diploma programmes, then you will be glad to know that most online courses follow the same curriculum and standards as their on-campus counterparts. As the contents are usually developed by in-house faculty, you can be rest assured about the quality of education. Moreover you can communicate and interact with your instructors and fellow learners easily through dedicated online forums and social networks.
Apart from gaining essential IT skills and knowledge, accredited information technology courses online will also help top boost your employability and give you an edge over others. As more and more companies and recruiters are now recognising and accepting online IT degrees, you will surely get the best non-technical and technical job opportunities, not just in the IT sector but in a wide range of industries. You will land a lucrative job in your desired field and add to the national economic development of Africa.


How do you plan to start your IT career? Feel free to share your thoughts and add to the discussion by commenting here.

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