A Celebration of Progress: Ocule IT Host Graduation Ceremony for Pioneering Samsung-Supported Electronics Learnership Programme

Ocule IT Host Graduation Ceremony for Pioneering Samsung-Supported Electronics Learnership Programme

In April 2022, Ocule IT hosted the graduation ceremony of the Cohort 2 Electronics Learnership, in partnership with Samsung. The event was also livestreamed via YouTube. The aim of the ceremony was to recognise the talented students that are now certified as qualified Electronics Technicians, ready to take their place at the forefront of South Africa’s ICT sector.

During the year 2021/22 Ocule IT trained 21 learners who came from different municipalities within KZN, to receive an NQF Level 4 Electronics qualification. The graduates include 14 females, which is an encouraging sign of progress as Ocule IT and Samsung continue to focus on addressing gender imbalance in the ICT sector.

Wandile Thato Ndlovu, a graduating student expressed her deepest gratitude for the programme, which “made me realise how much I enjoy learning and challenging myself”. She says she “gained tremendously in terms of knowledge, skills, fault finding and troubleshooting and is in the process of starting her own repair business because there are few women in the industry.”

Simphiwe Gama, a Cohort 1 graduate has already opened his own repair business and hopes “this partnership continues for others to gain the same knowledge that I did. It is a good start for those who are interested in starting their own companies as well as those who wants to pursue electronics as a career. “

The Electronics Learnership programme is a fully funded bursary initiative that provides for tuition, equipment and stipends. In essence, it is a comprehensive integrated skills development investment programme that prioritises the delivery of an integrated holistic package of personal, technical, entrepreneurial and business skills, aligned to meet the needs of the country’s economic development strategies.

“It is vital that we equip deserving youth with expertise and knowledge that appeals to potential employers and even inspires an entrepreneurial spirit. Ocule IT shares our long-term vision of equipping the youth to seize the opportunities that lie in a sector that is creating transformative technology that can empower more people in innovative new ways, “said Hlubi Shivanda, Director: Business Innovation Group and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa.

The Electronics Technician programme aims to develop sought-after artisan skills in the fields of electronics. These artisans are trained, guided and mentored by accredited specialist providers as part of their workplace training. Trade testing and ultimately certification form an integral part of the programme. At the end of theoretical and workplace training, learners would have mastered the processes around design, manufacturing and repairing of electronic equipment and products.

“For students, this programme offers unsurpassed access both in workplace learning and in business, as it assists learners to have the ability to sustain themselves even if they were not employed. Ocule, IT in partnership with Samsung is pleased to offer an innovative and exciting programme of learning that emphasises an interdisciplinary approach to knowledge and the solution of real-life problems. We therefore thank Samsung, DTIC and all other stakeholders including employers and learners who participated in this programme, “said Sanele Gcumisa, Ocule IT: Managing Member.