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ALTECH MULTIMEDIA AND BYTES PEOPLE SOLUTIONS JOIN FORCES TO INVEST IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Altech Multimedia and Bytes People Solutions, part of the Altron TMT group of companies, have joined forces to provide potential employment opportunities for the disadvantaged in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal, through their end-user computing learnership programme.The learnership, which is at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 3, creates a skills pipeline for Altech Multimedia and the Altech UEC manufacturing facility in Mount Edgecombe, in addition to other businesses in the area.According to Johan Klein, Group Executive: Corporate Services at Altron TMT, Altech Multimedia sponsors the programme and was involved in selecting the 50 adult learners with Bytes People Solutions. Once they complete their learnership in February 2015, we and the broader business community will be able to engage with them with respect to employment opportunities, he says.Bytes People Solutions is responsible for the overall management of the learnership deliverables which include training, assessments, moderation, and quality assurance per the requirements of the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA).The National Certificate in IT End User Computing is an entry-level qualification that lays the groundwork for entry into the workplace, says Dr Madelise Grobler, Managing Director of Bytes People Solutions. The learnership equips the learners with knowledge and skills in end-user computing so that they can use computers comfortably. Its a vital stepping stone into any work environment. Its also a starting point for access to further education, lifelong learning and productive employment.To date, Altech has invested R3,5 million in the learnership.The learnership programme is an extension of the Altech Multimedia Learning Centre programme which has been in existence since 2007 when Altech Multimedias first Information Technology and resource centre was opened in Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal.In November 2010, a second Multimedia Learning Centre was opened in KwaMashu on the premises of the Ntuzuma Teachers Training College. Altech Multimedia funded the building of the centre and oversees it in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education. Protec, a Non-governmental Organisation, manages the day-to-day running of both centres, providing extra tuition classes in Mathematics, Science, English, Computers and Life Skills for learners from the local community.According to Klein, the two centres each accommodate approximately 100 students in grades 10, 11 and 12.There are two aspects to the facilities. The well-equipped resource centre is an environment in which students can study, while the IT centre gives students access to the Internet for research and equips them with the technology skills they need to compete in the working world, he saysThe facilities are also available to the wider community.We are finding that the students who attend the centres achieve superb results, much better than provincial and national averages, says Klein. They leave school prepared for tertiary education and careers in the ICT industry.In addition to its annual contribution to the running of the KZN centres, Altech Multimedia is currently building a science laboratory at the KwaMashu centre and sponsoring the salary of a science teacher for this academic year. Excluding the annual operational support, Altech Multimedia has invested approximately R4,5 million in the building and equipping of the two centres.This model of education support has proven to be highly successful and sustainable. It delivers great results for both the community and our business, concludes Klein.-ENDS- Notes to Editors:About Altron TMTAltron TMT, incorporating the Altech and Bytes Technology Group businesses, is a world-class Telecommunications, Multi-media and Information Technology (TMT) solutions group focused on providing value-added products, services and solutions through the convergence of TMT, driven by market demand.With an annual turnover of R19,5 billion and with more than 8000 employees in more than 20 countries, Altron TMT is the largest, privately owned converged solutions provider on the African continent. Altron TMT has on-going access to the latest technologies worldwide, while its own research and development programme actively encourages and promotes internal technology implementation.About Altech MultimediaAltech Multimedia (Pty) Ltd is a leading provider of products, professional services and competitive solutions to the digital broadcast and broadband industries. Altech Multimedia solutions include a number of innovative world-first applications that are currently deployed in several digital television networks around the world and, in addition to being device independent, Altech Multimedia offerings are available as either stand-alone or complimentary solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing systems.Through its eight operating companies, Altech Multimedia has a global footprint. Technical development and support centres exist in South Africa, India, China and Australia, with sales support offices in South Africa, Australia, India, Europe and the Middle East. Altech Multimedia boasts a blue-chip client base and an award winning product portfolio as well as an enviable reputation amongst its partners and peers as one of the most technologically capable businesses in the industry.Altech Multimedias solutions and services offering includes systems integration and application development across multiple multimedia platforms, thus expanding its ambit beyond the well-established set-top box business.About Bytes People SolutionsBytes People Solutions is a professional provider of talent management services. The services include an assessment centre, content development, business process outsourcing, online technologies, people consulting, softskills development and ICT learning solutions. The outcome of the learning experience is an attendance certificate, international certification or a national certificate. As a member of the Bytes Technology Group, Bytes People Solutions is a leader in skills development and a trusted advisor to a large number of organisations in South Africa as well as Africa.For further information please contact:Bill StaegemannHuman Resources ExecutiveAltech Multimedia (Pty) LtdTel: +27 31 508 2833Bill Staegemann (Bill.Staegemann@altech-multimedia.com)Madelise GroblerManaging DirectorBytes People Solutions- a Division of Bytes Technology Group South Africa (Pty) LtdTel:  +27 11 205 7405Mobile: +27 82 894 6632Email:  Madelise.Grobler@bytes.co.zaChris Van ZylGroup Manager: Corporate Communications – AltechTel: +27 11 715 9037Mobile: +27 82 335 3740Email: cvanzyl@altech.comwww.altech-multimedia.comwww.bytespeoplesolutions.co.zawww.altech.com

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