Empowering Youth with Disabilities – BANKSETA’s Advanced ICT Skills Programme
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and digital transformation, acquiring advanced ICT skills has become more than just a necessity; it’s a pathway to empowerment and inclusion. Recognising the importance of fostering digital literacy and creating opportunities for marginalised communities, The Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA’s) groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping youth with disabilities with the essential skills needed to thrive in the digital age.
The BANKSETA’s Advanced ICT Skills Programme stands out for its commitment to inclusivity. This programme has provided training opportunities for 350 youth representing a diverse spectrum of disabilities, ranging from physical to neurological impairments, across provinces such as Gauteng, Limpopo, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Mpumalanga. By creating an inclusive learning environment, BANKSETA and its skills development partner Village Technologies were able to ensure that all aspiring learners, regardless of their disabilities were provided with quality education and a unique opportunity to embark on a transformative journey towards ICT proficiency.
The programme is designed to equip participants with essential skills for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), focusing on areas such as programming and cybersecurity. In today’s digital age, these skills are in high demand, opening doors to diverse career opportunities. The comprehensive training modules were designed to cultivate proficiency in areas critical to the evolving world of work.
In addition to technical skills, the programme also provided participants with essential exit skills programmes, including work-readiness and entrepreneurship training. Recognising the challenges faced by youth in accessing employment opportunities, the programme also aimed to equip participants with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in the workforce. Moreover, by fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging participants to explore alternative pathways to success in a landscape where traditional job opportunities are limited.
One of the key highlights of this programme was the provision of laptops to all learners for the duration of the programme. This not only ensured that participants had access to the necessary tools and resources but also fostered independence and autonomy in their learning journey towards ICT proficiency. Furthermore, participants who successfully completed the programme were gifted with laptops, enabling them to continue honing their skills beyond the programme and to support their career pursuits, nurturing a sense of ownership and empowerment.
The programmes’ commitment to gender equity is commendable. With 55% of the recruited youth being black female youths, BANKSETA is playing a pivotal role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the ICT sector. By empowering women and addressing gender disparities, the programme is not only transforming individual lives but also contributing to the broader goal of creating a more equitable society. By actively recruiting individuals from underrepresented groups, BANKSETA is paving the way for greater diversity and representation in the world of work, creating opportunities for marginalised communities to thrive.
The programmes’ success is further demonstrated by the impressive completion rates and attendance averages across provinces. Limpopo and Free State emerged as the best-performing provinces, achieving attendance averages of 85.61% and 75%, respectively. This remarkable achievement underscores the effectiveness of the programme in engaging and retaining participants, regardless of geographical location or background.
BANKSETA’s Advanced ICT Skills Programme is a shining example of how targeted interventions can empower youth with disabilities to thrive in the digital age. By providing inclusive learning opportunities, focusing on 4IR skills, and promoting diversity in recruitment, BANKSETA is not only equipping participants with valuable skills but also fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. It is essential that we recognize and harness the talents and potential of all individuals, regardless of their abilities. With initiatives like BANKSETA’s Advanced ICT Skills Programme leading the way, we can build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed in the digital age. BANKSETA is indeed changing lives.
The prestigious certification ceremonies were hosted in both Polokwane, Limpopo and Sasolburg, Free State provinces on the 23rd and 27th of February 2024. The BANKSETA’s CEO, Mr. Eubert Mashabane, and Board Chairperson, Ms. Nosipho Mia Makhanya graced the occasions, their presence not only honored the accomplishments of the participants but also underscored the importance of such initiatives in driving inclusive growth and development
Looking ahead, BANKSETA remains committed to expanding and sustaining programmes like the Advanced ICT Skills Programme. As Mr. Mashabane affirmed, these initiatives are aligned with the objectives of the National Skills Development Strategy III, emphasizing the importance of upskilling and reskilling youth, particularly those with disabilities and in rural areas. Ms. Makhanya further underscored BANKSETA’s pledge to provide ongoing support to programme graduates, ensuring they gain meaningful employment or access to further educational opportunities within the banking sector and beyond. The ultimate goal for the BANKSETA is to bridge the gap between skills development and employment, ensuring that all participants emerge as empowered contributors to society.