In South Africa, access to information and communication technology (ICT) skills and career pathways is crucial for individual and national progress, believes Tshepo Mokoena, Executive Chairman of In2IT South Africa. “At In2IT, we are committed to bridging the digital divide and creating meaningful opportunities for young South Africans to secure stable employment, achieve financial independence and drive economic change within their communities. Our efforts go beyond simply filling jobs; we are empowering youth to shape a brighter future for themselves and the country.”
Building a foundation for growth
In2IT employs a holistic approach to skills development, integrating innovative training methods, hands-on experience and community engagement. These efforts aim to prepare participants for success in the ICT sector while addressing critical employment barriers. Over the years, the company’s structured learnerships, internships and certification programmes have equipped hundreds of young people with foundational skills and practical knowledge.
Since its inception, the In2Intellectuals skills programme has provided training for more than 200 unemployed learners in ICT and engineering fields. Participants benefit from a balanced curriculum that combines theoretical instruction with practical applications. Complementing this, In2IT’s learnership programmes, aligned with South African Qualifications Authority standards, offer learners nationally recognised qualifications. In 2023, 50 students enrolled in the business analysis support practice learnership, gaining National Qualification Framework level 5 certifications boosting their employability.
For recent graduates transitioning from academia to industry, In2IT’s 12-month internship programme bridges the gap with structured mentorship and live project experience. These efforts ensure participants are well-prepared to meet the demands of South Africa’s dynamic ICT sector.
Advancing workforce competence through certifications
Recognising the importance of staying competitive in an evolving digital industry, In2IT invests in the professional growth of its employees. Since 2019, the company has supported 40 employees in earning globally recognised Cisco Certified Network Associate certification and 30 in acquiring Huawei Certified ICT Associate routing and switching certification. These credentials not only enhance the expertise of individual employees but also bolster In2IT’s innovation capacity and reputation in the ICT sector.
Promoting inclusion and community engagement
In2IT’s mission extends beyond the workplace, addressing systemic inequalities through community-focused initiatives. One such programme is Boys2Men, launched in collaboration with Moving Ahead Development Agency, which introduces grade 9 and 10 learners from disadvantaged communities to technical skills in engineering and technology. The initiative inspires young people to consider careers in ICT, opening pathways to economic mobility.
Additionally, In2IT supports young people with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity in the digital age. On International Disability Day, the company donated laptops equipped with training software to help disabled youth acquire essential ICT skills and foster digital literacy across diverse groups.
