As South Africa commemorates Youth Month this June, it provides a period to reflect on the importance of young people in shaping society and the significant role they played during the Soweto uprising on June 16, 1976.
A major obstacle to South Africa’s youth fulfilling their promise, is the rising unemployment rate. The most recent unemployment figures from Statistics SA’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey are sobering: The youth unemployment rate, measuring job-seekers between 15 to 24 years old, rose to 62.1% in the first quarter of 2023, the highest in a year, from 61% in the previous three-month period.
Stats SA’s figures also show that youth remain vulnerable in the labour market, with the first quarter of 2023 results showing that the total number of unemployed youth in the expanded age range of 15 to 34 years increased by 241 000 to 4,9-million while there was an increase of 28 000 in the number of employed youth to 5,6 million during the same period. This resulted in an increase in the youth unemployment rate by 1,1 percentage points to 46,5% in the first quarter of 2023 - among the highest in the world.
While the country’s youth struggles with shrinking job opportunities, Sisekelo Institute of Business and Technology provides some answers to these vexing issues and is committed to empowering the youth of today to shape their future through the development of technical and 4IR skills.
To address some of these issues, and enable youths that are 4IR workplace-ready, Sisekelo is offering a beacon of hope through its Tech Scholarship Programme (STSP). This programme is designed to bridge the tech skills gap among South African youth and is primarily targeted at young unemployed individuals and anyone who wishes to build a career in various fields such as Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, and Data Science.
If you are unemployed, under 30, have access to a laptop and data, and have a Grade-12 Certificate! This is for you: You can prepare yourself for the workplace of the future with a number of scholarships in 4IR Skills and make yourself highly sought after in the job market with a Nationally Accredited Qualification.
A career in the Tech sector is not beyond your reach and all are invited to apply to the STSP. The programme aims to develop 1000 young people by 2025 with tech-scarce skills training and give them access to job opportunities.
South Africa is facing a shortage of tech skills in these fields caused by a variety of factors, including a lack of investment in STEM education, a brain-drain of skilled workers leaving the country for better opportunities abroad, and a lack of diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry. STSP seeks to address these challenges, offering training in key areas such as Software Full Stack Development, Data Science and AI, Cybersecurity, and Project Management.
Who is eligible to apply?
Unemployed Individuals. Under the age of 30. Minimum qualification – Grade 12. Preferably based in Gauteng and Cape Town, but people who stay outside of these areas are encouraged to apply. Must have access to their own laptop and data. The course is conducted online. Candidates will go through an online interview with our academic team.
Benefits of the scholarship
Candidates will obtain a nationally accredited qualification. Equipped with future tech skills that will make you a standout technician and IT professional. Top performing students will be given preference during the recruitment process of our client partner companies. 90% Coverage of Tuition and Training; 10% Contribution from Successful Applicants to Cover Exam Fees and Material. To apply please send an email to scholarship@sisekelo.co.za with the following information:
Updated CV A single page motivational letter stating clearly why you think you deserve the scholarship Certified qualifications Limited Spots Available - Only 1000 Scholarship Positions. Apply now and contribute to a future where South African youth are empowered with the skills and knowledge to shape the technology landscape.
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