"The programme is an important milestone in bringing to the marketplace qualified trainers who are representative of our population. There is currently a shortage of suitably qualified black trainers, and this programme will go a long way towards developing trainers who are equipped not only with the hard and soft skills required, but also have the cultural and language understanding to effectively train the growing number of young black delegates embarking on ICT courses," says Sharon Oosterberg, key account manager of CompTIA SA.

The programme will include the CompTIA CTT+ course, and, at the end of training, the candidates must write and pass the CTT+ exams to qualify for the globally recognised certification. 

The programme is an initiative of the CompTIA ICT Trainers Forum, and was launched after consultation with, and support from, the BITF and On-Site Training. "It is hoped that this project will have a snowball effect, whereby the candidates who successfully complete the programme will go back into their workplace and encourage other trainers to certify. Through CTT+ the end-user is assured that the training they receive is of the highest standards, and that the trainer is suitably qualified to deliver the course material," adds Sharon.

Richard Rayne, MD of On-Site Training, and chairman of the CompTIA ICT Trainer's Forum, adds: "Achievement of the CTT+ certification is a fantastic achievement for these trainers. Not only is it an internationally recognised qualification, but it also shows that their service delivery and training quality is of the highest standard at all times. CTT+ is also a benchmark by which trainers are evaluated for career-path development, and is a great credential on a CV when training providers look to recruit new training staff."
 
Roarke Lessing, of Click Start Training, adds, "CompTIAs CTT+ is just the thing for our industry. Trainers need a certification that is tangible, challenging and credible. CTT+ is a great certification for those who are just beginning to receive training direction, as well as experienced educators who have been training for many years as they get confirmation of, and even new ideas concerning their methods."

"One of the areas that has been neglected in ICT Education and Training is the quality of trainers. In this industry very few people are qualified or certified as trainers, and this has a negative impact on the quality of delivery, and, consequently, the product of the training process. As the BITF Foundation we believe that this has to be attended to as a matter of urgency - that is why we have partnered with CompTIA on the CCT+ programme. If our pilot in Gauteng is successful we hope to raise funds to roll out in the other regions as well," says Nhlanhla Goba, CEO of the BITF.