Kwa-Mashu end-user computing learnership yields exponential results

According to the tenth annual Manpower Group global talent shortage report, employers worldwide have consistently reported difficulty hiring right-skilled talent. And this trend shows no sign of abating.  

Unprecedented technological growth changes the skills needed for jobs and shortens the lifecycle of those skills.To this end, Bytes People Solutions and Altech Multimedia remain steadfast in their commitment to building the right talent for South Africas jobs of today and tomorrow by joining forces to provide potential employment opportunities for the disadvantaged in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal, through their end-user computing learnership programme, which is now in its third year.

The learnership, which is at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 3, not only provides learners with a greater opportunity of entering the formal economy but it also creates a skills pipeline for Altech Multimedia and the Altech UEC manufacturing facility in Mount Edgecombe, in addition to other businesses in the area. The National Certificate in IT End User Computing is an entry-level qualification which is the foundation for access into the workplace, says Dr Madelise Grobler, Managing Director of Bytes People Solutions. This learnership programme 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.  

On the 19 August 2016, a special Certificate Presentation event took place where the 2015/2016 Graduates were honoured and the new students for 2016/2017 were welcomed to the programme.  We've seen fantastic results from the first intake in 2014, with all students either continuing with their education or being further employed and we expect similar outcomes from this years intake of learners says Madelise. 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.

A second Multimedia Learning Centre was opened in 2010 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. 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. 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). Results have shown that students who attend the centres achieve superb results and in most cases better than provincial and national averages.

Employers need to foster a learning culture within their organisations and communities to encourage employees to take ownership of their careers.  This model of education support has proven to be highly successful and sustainable, delivering great results for both the community and our businesses.

concludes Madelise.About Bytes People Solutions:BYTES PEOPLE SOLUTIONS is a professional provider of Skills Development, Talent Management and Business Process Outsourcing, enabling organisations to drive excellence in business processes. Services include Assessment Centres, Business Process Outsourcing, Contact Centre Solutions, Content Development, Enabling Technologies, ICT Learning Solutions, Online Learning Technologies, Professional Services and Soft Skills Development