Synthesis Software Technologies, a South African home-grown specialised financial technology company, together with Afrika Tikkun and training provider Unlock’D, awarded certificates to 16 unemployed youth at a graduation ceremony held at Waverley Sports Club. The learners, who reside in disadvantaged communities across Johannesburg, successfully completed Synthesis’ learnership programme, graduating with an NQF Level 3 in End User Computing, accredited by the Media Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA).
The 12-month training programme, which incorporates both practical and theoretical computer proficiency training, is an annual initiative that commenced in May 2017 with the first intake of learners. Through the training initiative, Synthesis and its partners equip unemployed youth, some of whom are disabled, with basic computing skills.
Michael Shapiro, Managing Director at Synthesis Software Technologies, described the value of the programme: “These learnerships are an integral part of our commitment to skills development and transformation in South Africa. We strive to create suitably qualified youth with sufficient computer proficiency skills and knowledge to enable them to seek employment opportunities. Sue Ann Huyser has created an unbelievable initiative for the beneficiaries who have all benefitted from the programme. We are looking to grow this programme every year.”
The learners are already beginning to reap the benefits of their hard work. Of the 16 learners who graduated, three have received offers for permanent employment. In addition, Synthesis has awarded bursaries to two learners to further their studies through an A+ certification programme specialising in installing, maintaining, customising, and operating personal computers, and a Network+ (N+) certification to qualify as a network administrator.
The remaining 11 learners will be enrolled into a business course for the following 12 months and will work towards attaining an NQF Level 4 certificate accredited by the MICT SETA. In total Synthesis will provide learnership opportunities for 20 young people living in underprivileged communities over the next financial year.
Commenting on the benefits of the learnership programme, graduates Tebogo Kaboi from Rosettenville and Sikelela Ndaba from Benoni agreed that the training programme has been extremely beneficial as they are now computer proficient, a valuable skill needed to gain employment. In the near future, they plan to enrol at tertiary institutions and study further.
Over the long term, Synthesis plans to provide employment opportunities within the company for unemployed youth who successfully complete the learnership programme and to offer learnership opportunities to many more youths from disadvantaged communities in line with their commitment to give underprivileged youth a better chance at life.
Edited by Daniëlle Kruger
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