iLAB – empowering the youth to become ICT professionals and stay ahead of 4IR trends

iLAB recently celebrated its sixth successful internship programme where 20 beneficiaries graduated with an internationally recognised certificate in Software Quality Assurance. All these beneficiaries are now permanently employed by iLAB.

In September, iLAB, in partnership with the MICT SETA, recognised the interns who successfully completed their 12-month internship, which comprised theory, practical and work-base placement training in various industries. The internship provides ‘real world’ exposure to the field of software quality assurance testing, strengthens their skills and allows them to examine the ‘ins and outs’ of a professional work environment with exposure to the industry.

A proud graduate and 2018/2019 intern, Doctor Dlamini, said: “I will forever be grateful to iLAB for taking me in as a graduate fresh from varsity; with commitment I successfully completed the internship and I am now consulting at Vodacom South Africa as an Associate SQA Engineer. The training offered by the company was world-class and we had to write international exams to be certified.”

With the onset of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and market leaders stating that by the year 2030 the world could lose up to 800 million jobs to automation, employees are being replaced by machines at grocery stores, fast food restaurants, manufacturing plants, etc. The change is inevitable, but there are careers that have a built-in safeguard – software quality assurance engineers ensure that these machines are able to do their job.

iLAB is passionate about developing, mentoring and providing guidance to the enthusiastic young graduates to be the best software engineers out there and to be able to compete at a global level.

The unique and challenging 12-month programme shapes them for the rapid changes that take place in the industry daily. This internship helps empower the youth to gain the necessary skills to evolve into ICT professionals and stay ahead of the 4IR trends.

“I can tell you that this is one of the best parts of my job – to participate in joyful, momentous programmes such as this one. Firstly, I would like to thank our amazing team for their dedication and commitment to this journey over the last year, as well as our interns who participated in this challenging yet rewarding programme,” said Michelle Roberts, General Manager, HR and Talent Management at iLAB.

“Thank you, MICT SETA, for being an incredible partner and supporting us throughout this journey; I am proud to partner with such an amazing organisation that is making a difference in so many people’s lives and uplifting this country,” she added.