Samsung in Partnership with Ocule IT Celebrate 2nd Cohort Graduates of the Electronics Technician Programme

Successful Completion of Transformative Training that Enhances Employment Prospects in Eastern Cape

Samsung in partnership with Ocule IT recently hosted a Graduation ceremony for the 2^nd Cohort of the Samsung Electronics Technician Programme to celebrate the successful completion of this transformative training initiative in the Eastern Cape.

The programme is an electronics artisanal skills development initiative, which aims to stimulate job creation in underprivileged communities. The students learn about the processes of design, manufacturing and repairing of electronic equipment and products.

The graduation ceremony of the 20 students was to celebrate their success and the positive impact this programme has had on rural communities in Eastern Cape. To date, Samsung has trained 162 artisans across three provinces: Kwa-Zulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Gauteng. The 1^st cohort graduated in November 2023.

The programme’s strategic focus is to drive local development and empowerment as well as to provide critical skills to the youth – tailored specifically to meet industry demands and the needs of the economic development for both the Eastern Cape and the country as a whole. The 100% employment rate in the programme over the last three years is testament to the demand for qualified artisans in electronics and other trade-related disciplines.

Nicky Beukes, Samsung EEIP Project Manager said: “With this technician programme, we have been able to achieve our main objective of providing skills development to the provincial artisans in an effort to stimulate job creation in a province with so much potential. As Samsung in partnership with Ocule IT, we are committed to empowering the province’s youth by equipping them with much-needed skills to land employment or start their own businesses.”

The Electronics Technician programme was established in 2020, after Samsung identified Eastern Cape’s critical shortage of technicians needed to service consumer electronics and hand-held devices. Since then, it has focused on training unemployed youth from rural and township areas with the end goal of developing sought-after artisan skills in the fields of electronics. The individuals that were part of the programme have been trained and mentored by accredited specialist providers as part of their workplace training. Samsung’s commitment to empowering the country’s youth has had a significant impact in driving the success of the programme.

Sanele Gcumisa, Ocule IT: Managing Member said: “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.”

Gcumisa explained further that the main objective of this programme is to empower youth by equipping them with much-needed ICT skills to land employment or start their own businesses. This programme is an example of how successful partnerships with organisations such as Samsung and government can make a difference and help create an inspiring story.

Samsung’s sustained investment in ICT training and development in partnership with Ocule IT has contributed greatly in creating a workforce equipped with essential, in-demand skills. This Electronics Technician programme is one of the initiatives that can open new doors for previously disadvantaged youth.

Beukes concluded: “Through our drive for educational advancement and the transformative power of collaboration with institutions such as Ocule IT, we have been able to contribute positively to the growth of this programme over the years. Together, we have ensured that the programme enhances employment prospects and fosters sustainable economic development in the province and the country as a whole. And, all these efforts have had long-term benefits for both, the partners involved and the community.”