Absa, Digital Academy aid young talent

ABSA and The Digital Academy hosted a technology showcase to unveil solutions and applications built by The Digital Academy interns as part of a six-month programme aimed at helping to bridge a skills shortage in the technology and banking sectors.

The Digital Academy has created a real-world, industry-leading platform which allows young software developers to grow technically and solve real problems with innovative solutions.

The programme is designed to identify talent and to fast-track opportunities and success for participants in an internship. They work in simulated software development environments which encourage digital product innovation in Africa and allow skills to be aligned to industry demand.

In October, Statistics SA revealed that about one in three young South Africans between the ages of 15 and 24 were not employed, enrolled in educational programmes or involved in training. One reason, Statistics SA said, was a lack of skills among the youth, and without assistance or intervention many face the likelihood of long-term unemployment.

For this reason, Absa has made a substantial investment in developing young talent in partnership with The Digital Academy. Both organisations contribute to improving the employability of out-of-work youth and promote economic inclusion, while passing on critical skills needed to succeed in the workplace of the future.

“Disruptive technologies and trends such as the Internet of Things, robotics, virtual reality and artificial intelligence are changing the way we live and work. We need to train and develop a workforce that has the ability to take part in the digital revolution.

“Furthermore, we believe that together we have the ability to bring possibilities to life and that hand in hand, we can play a shaping role in society,” said Lee-Anne Wyman, programme manager for Young Talent and Citizenship in Absa’s technology division.

Each year, The Digital Academy hosts two intakes of 30 students who are trained for six months. The only pre-requisite for joining the programme is for students to have completed matric, and to have a foundation in coding and a passion for technology.

The initiative supports these young interns in their development by building commercially-focused prototypes that address local challenges for the local and African market. To date, 178 interns have been placed at Absa as part of the work-based experience component of the internship. |