Five learners from the 2006 intake are currently busy with their six-month practical training at GijimaAst, and another 10 learners are currently busy with one-year theoretical training at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).

The programme is implemented over an 18-month period, of which one year is spent in the classroom environment, gaining the theoretical knowledge, and the subsequent six months is spent in the employ of GijimaAst under the guidance of mentors and coaches. The workplace experience allows students to gain immediate practical experience to enhance their theoretical knowledge, says Phillip Pitse, skills and learning facilitator at GijimaAst.
 
As a hosting company, GijimaAst has invested well over R1m to develop the skills of the learners, provide for accommodation during their studies, monthly allowances as well as provision of each learner with a PC so that they can continue their studies in their free time. Although TUT does provide for PC labs, we believe having access to a computer in their residence is an added benefit to the successful completion of their studies, says Phillip.
 
The fully endorsed programme, which is supported and jointly funded with the ISETT SETA, provides students with theoretical knowledge and invaluable practical working experience. The ITBLP programme is aimed at delivering skilled Black talent to the under-staffed IT sector, and is intended to play a meaningful role in addressing the shortage of Black IT skills in SA. This course is offered in collaboration with the Tshwane University of Technology.
 
GijimaAst invests heavily in IT education and mentoring as this is seen as a critical component of the IT systems integrators succession planning, not only for the company, but for the industry as a whole.

At the end of the training and upon successful completion of the learnership, we place the learners in permanent positions within GijimaAst. We are careful to ensure that any learners we take on are assured of gainful employment afterwards, as there is no point in taking on a learner only to put them back out on the street with skills but no job. The learnership programme must tie in with business requirements, and, as such, is an integral part of our overall business strategy, explains Phillip.