Samsung, Ocule IT host KZN Graduation Ceremony for 4th Cohort of Electronics Technician Programme
Samsung, in collaboration with Ocule IT, hosted a Graduation ceremony for the 4th Cohort of the Electronics Technician Programme on 03 April 2025, to celebrate the successful completion of this transformative training in KZN – while also boosting the province’s employment opportunities.
This Artisans’ skills development initiative – sponsored by Samsung’s R280-million worth Equity Equivalents Investment Programme (EEIP) – has successfully hosted training in both KZN and Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) in Eastern Cape.
Launched in 2019, Samsung’s EEIP which has demonstrated considerable success since its inception, seeks to continue to empower the country’s youth and women from previously disadvantaged communities with Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills.
This graduation ceremony included 20 youth from under-privileged backgrounds: eight (8) males and 12 women. The graduation event was not only an opportunity to celebrate the students’ success, but also to emphasise the role of the programme in driving local development and address the shortage of women in the ICT sector.
Samsung does not only credit the success of this Electronics Technician Programme to the students, but also on the impactful collaboration between Ocule IT and other key stakeholders in government such as the Department of Trade, Industry & Competition (Dtic) and the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA) as well as several workplace partners in the private sector.
Nicky Beukes, Samsung EEIP Project Manager, said: “As Samsung, we believe that the combined role of the programme’s key players as well as its strategic focus on critical skills development that’s tailored specifically to meet industry demands – is contributing positively to its main objectives of stimulating job creation in KwaZulu-Natal. We remain committed to sustained investment in ICT training and development to create a workforce equipped with essential, in-demand skills – as this has a significant impact on driving the success of the programme.”
This Electronics Technician programme specifically seeks to develop sought-after artisan skills in the fields of electronics. These artisans were trained, guided and mentored by accredited specialist providers as part of their workplace training.
Learners accessing this qualification were provided with knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable them to diagnose faults, repair and maintain electronic equipment. Learners are now also able to interpret electronic circuits to do component-level repairs.
This SAQA-Accredited Qualification: Further Education and Training Certificate: Electronics (NQF 4) comprises of Unit Standards that will serve as the building blocks towards progression to an NQF Level 5 Qualification in Electronics as part of these graduates’ career advancement. This 12-month programme which started in February 2024 and ended in January this year, has been able to enhance employment prospects and fosters sustainable economic development.
Sanele Gcumisa, Ocule IT: Managing Member added: “Ocule IT is thrilled to celebrate the graduation of the fourth cohort of our Electronics NQF Level 4 programme in KZN, a remarkable achievement resulting from a four-year partnership with Samsung. This collaboration has empowered 81 learners, leading to impressive results: 80% secured employment, 6% continued their education and the remaining learners are actively seeking opportunities. We’re particularly proud of the 12% who launched successful businesses, contributing significantly to the community’s economic growth. Our heartfelt thanks to Samsung and our partner companies for their invaluable support in making this programme such a resounding success.”
Samsung is convinced that the impressive results of this programme are a clear indication of the opportunities that have been created through this investment. The programme’s success is also due to the collaborative efforts that support its growth as well as the long-term benefits for both the partners involved and the community.
Beukes concluded: “As a company, we are very happy with the thorough training processes followed and overall, how well this programme was run. Our continued investment in ICT, the drive for educational advancement as well as the transformative power of collaboration with Ocule IT and other key partners has – in no doubt led to the successful completion of this 4th cohort of the Electronics Technician Programme.”
Supplied by: Samsung South Africa.
Guzzle Media
Tags:
#samsung
