The ITA stands at the threshold of a new era for the local Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Sector. This representative body, together with its membership and industry partners, is poised to play a crucial role in the growth and development of the sector, as well as serving as a credible, effective channel of communication between various stakeholders. To this effect, ITA members initiate issues, which need attention at international and national governmental, NGO, para-statal and business level.
The Committee
The ITA established a Skills Development Committee within the structures of the ITA. In support of broader economic growth initiatives, such as ASGISA, this Skills Development Committee aims at promoting skills development activities to the members of the ITA, assist with job creation in the sector, and contribute to social upliftment and sustainable sector growth. The committee will use the support structures of the ITA in order to add value to ITA members' Skills Development programmes.
The Skills Development Committee consists of members of the ITA that has a key interest in industry growth through focused skills development activities. These organizations are currently driving skills development activities within their individual organizational structures, and aim at encouraging their partners, customers and clients to share in a shared obligation to ensure the growth and development of South Africa.
Objectives
The following objectives were identified:
Promote participation in national development programmes, e.g. ASGISA and JIPSA;
Promote participation through strategic guidance and programme facilitation;
Support existing initiatives implemented by member organizations;
Form strategic partnerships with Government, Industry, Academia and Communities;
Provide information and support to encourage implementation of skills development initiatives.
Immediate Implementation Activities
Since the establishment of the SETA’s, the development of the NQF and the introduction of the skills levy, skills development and related activities has become an important topic in business strategies and day to day implementation.
In order to add value to the members of the ITA, the Skills Development Committee aims at providing members with valuable information related to skills development in order to:
Increase success rates of current implementation activities;
Ensure maximum output with minimum cost;
Manage the risks around learnerships/internship implementation as well as entry level appointments/employment.
In order for the Skills Development Committee to successfully implement its mandate, the following immediate/short term activities were identified:
Identify and record existing initiatives implemented by ITA members;
Identify and record existing skills development support structures;
Develop a short term project and implementation plan for immediate member participation;
Develop a general skills development information document for distribution to members that would include skills development benefits, risks, opportunities, etc.;
Investigate the possibility of labour market studies;
Develop a framework for a long term implementation plan.
Next Steps
Introduce the Committee to ITA Executive Committee;
Communicate immediate implementation plan to ITA Executive Committee;
Introduce the Committee to ITA members.