WeThinkCode_ has announced that its first cohort of students from the Ekurhuleni West TVET College (EWC) has successfully graduated with an 88 percent pass rate.

Of the 50 students from EWC that participated in the programme, 44 are graduating and 56 percent of those graduates have already secured internships. The cohort entered the programme in March 2023 and completed the programme in June this year.

“This graduating class of 2024 is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships, demonstrating how together we can equip a new generation with skills essential to the digital economy,” remarked Ruvimbo Gwatirisa, Public Partnerships director at WeThinkCode_.

With South Africa increasingly relying on digital solutions, there is an almost desperate need to arm local students with the skills needed to become digital pioneers. Organisations such as WeThinkCode_ which see a merging of the private and public sectors also help in addressing youth unemployment directly.

“This programme highlights the immense potential of public sector education when combined with WeThinkCode_’s industry-aligned curriculum,” said Gwatirisa. “TVETs have a national footprint, and with our demand-driven training, we can equip thousands with digital skills, reducing youth unemployment at a faster pace.”

Following the successful graduation of this cohort, WeThinkCode_ says it is expanding its presence in TVET colleges. The institution says that is implementing a similar initiative at Central Johannesburg College and South Cape TVET College.

One graduate, Thandeka Ncube, has been placed at LSD Open and they praised the work WeThinkCode_ does.

“My experience with the EWC TVET cohort has been incredibly rewarding. I gained a wealth of technical and soft skills, from becoming a better communicator and team player to excelling in programming through exciting projects. The placement at LSD Open has further expanded my horizons, exposing me to a different side of technology,” said Ncube.

“Thanks to the adaptability and continuous learning mindset instilled by WeThinkCode_, I’ve been able to thrive in this new environment. WeThinkCode_ has fundamentally shaped my career, enhancing my problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, and equipping me with essential workplace skills,” they concluded.

Source: HyperText