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CapaCiti to train 3000 unemployed youth for #yourdigitalfuture

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CapaCiti to train 3000 unemployed young South Africans for #yourdigitalfuture
CapaCiti to train 3000 unemployed young South Africans for #yourdigitalfuture

Over the next three years, CapaCiTi is scaling up to equip 3000 previously disadvantaged young individuals with industry-demanded technology and business skills, placing them in permanent jobs in South Africa’s leading companies.

This hugely impactful programme roll-out has been enabled through the generous support from South African corporate businesses, R100m from BCX, and also R75m from the National Treasury Jobs Fund. Programme delivery will take place predominantly in Johannesburg and Cape Town, but also Port Elizabeth and Durban.


Soraya Mohideen, Head of the CapaCiTi Programmes says, “This programme is proven to grow young people into confident, collaborative digital professionals who are equipped to immediately thrive in the workplace, adding value from day one. We’re focused on the technology skill sets industry needs now and in the next five years, preparing these young individuals to be future-thinking, dynamic and committed to continual growth in their career. Our soft skills support will help these students unlock skills like creative problem solving, critical thinking and effective communication, essential competencies to succeed in a tech career.”

CapaCiTi currently has 250 active students in 4 South African cities, and a further 400 candidates will start programmes in Johannesburg and Cape Town this year. All candidates must be 18-35 years old, previously disadvantaged, South African citizens and currently unemployed.

The programme mix for 2018 looks to cover several programming languages (Java, Python), ICT Infrastructure, and a mix of ICT Vendor Certifications. Qualification requirements vary, to ensure there are programmes to suit a wide range of applicants (matric to higher certificate or degree). These programmes will prepare candidates for jobs as junior developers, systems support technicians, software architects, network security admin etc.

While there are no training costs for students on the programmes, graduates of the programmes will be required to pay forward their training costs only when they are settled into their new permanent job. This pay-back then goes directly towards training of further young South Africans in the programme, thereby contributing to further young South Africans’ digital career opportunity.

CapaCiTi delivers technical training through a range of technology programmes, which are designed around the critical skills needs of the South African business sector. Individuals are mentored by a network of skilled coaches, and also receive training in important 21st century business skills such as collaboration, critical and creative thinking.

All programmes are coupled with a 6-month internship so that candidates have an immediate chance to apply and grow their skills. On completion of the internship, candidate interviews are facilitated by CapaCiTi, to ensure graduates are placed in permanent jobs. Over the past seven years, CapaCiTi has trained 1000 young South Africans, placing 82% (40% female) in technology positions at 130 partner host companies such as Media24, Woolworths, Shoprite, BCX and Absa.

CapaCiTi programmes not only provide meaningful opportunity for young South Africans to participate in the digital economy, but allow companies to access job-ready young talent to diversify their teams and reduce recruitment and retention challenges.

In today’s industry, smart and extensive digital technology is no longer an addition but a requisite, and data-driven companies who adopt and adapt tech will survive the surge in digital disruption across all sectors. This rapid digitization of industry, coupled with the critical skills shortage in tech disciplines and high rates of youth unemployment, makes the environment ripe for job creation.

Edited by: Neo Sesinye
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