Samsung South Africa’s Mission To Empower Youth In The ICT Sector Is Producing Incredible Results

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 28 May 2021 – Ever since the launch of its R280 Million Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) in 2019, Samsung has embarked on a host of programmes that has empowered businesses and people across the country. Education has been a key focus of its initiatives as software development skills are highly sought-after in the digital economy. This is why, a year ago, Samsung partnered with Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre (EASTC) to harness the power of technology to train and inspire young people to pursue their ambitions. In June 2020, Samsung and the EASTC team welcomed the first cohort of 20 learners for a 24-month Refrigeration, Air-conditioning and Ventilation Apprenticeship. Eleven months later, Samsung and its partners are beginning to see the results of its efforts.

The programme commenced with three months of institutional training focused on theory and simulated practicals. Following the institutional training component, the learners were placed in companies for 8-months of workplace experience. Here, the serious business of air-conditioning, refrigeration, and ventilation was brought to life in real-world settings. The learners have now returned to EASTC to complete their summative theory and practical assessments. A Portfolio of Evidence and their workplace logbook, will be used for proof of competency to proceed to the next year of their qualification.

“We learnt a number of key lessons from Cohort 1” stated Sean Fenn, CEO of EASTC. “Firstly, not having a driver’s licence makes it difficult for students to be placed in companies for work placement. Secondly, medicals are a must for all learners before they enter any work environment as most companies will not always pay for this. Additionally, the impact of the Covid19 lockdown took a toll on the industry – we experienced a significant amount of difficulty in placing learners in companies for work placement. However, despite the hurdles, a few generous businesses with the right credentials in the industry absorbed all of our learners. This cohort experienced the invaluable growth that comes from applying their knowledge in the work place” said Fenn.

As it stands, EASTC has received the next 20 learners to commence their first year of the same apprenticeship.

SAMSUNG and the EASTC team are pleased at the progress that the learners are making in this critical trade area and look forward to providing great report on year two of cohort 1 and the workplace component of cohort 2.

“There are undeniable obstacles in the path of many learners in the country. However, as Samsung, we believe we have a duty to equip the youth to seize the opportunities that lie in the ICT sector. We are pleased to see the progress of the learners and to welcome a new cohort. We will continue to seek out the avenues that will empower them to be the leaders of tomorrow, “says Hlubi Shivanda, Director: Business Innovation Group and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa.

“I am so excited that I was given this opportunity to be trained as an air-conditioning, refrigerator and ventilation technician with Samsung. I could not believe it when I got the call that I made it because I have been looking for such an opportunity for years. With the qualification I believe I will be able to get a better job, gain experience and who knows, may even start my own business. I already have big dreams. I would like to thank Samsung for giving me and other learners this opportunity to shine, “said Petunia Malinga.