Samsung South Africa, in partnership with Wits University’s Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, celebrated the graduation of the fourth cohort from its Advanced Industry Experience Programme on July 18, 2024. The ceremony, held at Tshimologong Precinct in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, marked the culmination of a transformative journey for 18 graduates who underwent an intensive 12-month internship designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry experience.
The Samsung Advanced Industry Experience Programme, part of Samsung’s Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), addresses the significant challenges faced by ICT graduates in securing employment within the competitive software development industry. This initiative, which represents a significant investment of over R190,000 per candidate, provides not only stipends and computer equipment but also full-time access to a software engineer and mentor, as well as the facilities at Tshimologong.
Lenhle Khoza, B-BBEE and Transformation Manager at Samsung, highlighted the programme’s impact, stating,
“The ICT industry often demands years of experience from job seekers, which can be a significant barrier for fresh graduates. Through our partnership with Tshimologong, we’ve been able to accelerate the professional development of these interns, equipping them with skills equivalent to multiple years of industry experience.”
Mark Harris, CEO of Tshimologong Digital Precinct, elaborated on the programme’s goals, emphasizing the importance of advanced skills training in software engineering, which serves as the foundation for innovation and entrepreneurship in South Africa.
“This country had a legacy of companies claiming they couldn’t find the right skills in the market. That’s no longer the case. This programme is about equipping graduates with the advanced skills necessary to thrive in the software engineering space, driving innovation and economic growth,”
Harris explained.
The programme’s curriculum is continually evolving to meet industry standards and demands, incorporating emerging fields such as data science, AI, and machine learning. This dynamic approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to tackle contemporary challenges and seize new opportunities in the tech industry. Harris added,
“We teach different types of software engineering, whether it’s languages or methodologies, to equip students based on market changes. It’s about continuous learning and adapting to industry needs.”
Since its inception in 2020, the Samsung-sponsored internship programme has demonstrated remarkable success. All 35 graduates from the first three cohorts secured formal employment, underscoring the programme’s effectiveness in fostering employability. This trend continues with the current cohort, where six of the 18 graduates have already obtained formal employment, while the rest are engaged in interviews with prospective employers.
The success stories from the programme are numerous. Phamela Makhubele, a graduate from the fourth cohort, shared her experience:
“Through my involvement in the Samsung Advance Industry Exposure programme, I have gained invaluable qualities like communication and the capacity to work well with others, which are critical in any field. Gaining practical work experience is crucial for graduates, and this programme gave me the chance to collaborate closely with mentors and seasoned developers.”
The selection process for the programme is rigorous, targeting ICT enthusiasts who possess a genuine interest in developing their skills. Applicants are not required to have prior ICT knowledge, making the programme accessible to a wider range of candidates.
“We pride ourselves in this programme in that it’s not just about theoretical learning; it also involves experiential learning. During the course, students are paired with mentors who have industry experience, helping them build capabilities that will be invaluable in the workplace,”
explained Khoza.
Samsung’s commitment to the programme and its partnership with Tshimologong extends beyond financial support. The company actively engages with the students, providing ongoing mentorship and ensuring that the training aligns with current industry standards.
“We receive great feedback on the impact of the programme, and our graduates often find themselves in high demand, sometimes even before completing the programme,”
noted Harris.
The programme’s success is a testament to the collaborative effort between Samsung, Tshimologong, and the broader ICT community in South Africa. By equipping graduates with advanced skills and real-world experience, the initiative not only enhances employability but also contributes to reducing unemployment and fostering job creation in the tech sector. As Khoza aptly put it,
“Samsung remains committed to fostering the growth of quality software development skills in South Africa, supporting the development of future tech start-ups, and building a skilled workforce in the ICT sector.”
The Samsung Graduate Initiative, in partnership with Tshimologong, stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for ICT graduates, paving the way for a brighter, more innovative future for South Africa’s tech industry.
