Bata South Africa, global footwear manufacturer and retailer, is set to increase its contribution to job creation soon by partnering with iLearn.

Twenty candidates (employed, unemployed, able-bodied and less abled) have been selected by Bata SA to participate in the first Blended IT End User Computing qualification in South Africa.

“Contributing to training and skills development (of able-bodied as well as disabled candidates), economic growth and employment in South Africa is an important part of Bata’s manifesto,” says John Harman, Bata Country Manager.

“Investment in training and development of Bata employees is ongoing. As a major role-player in the footwear industry in South Africa, Bata hopes to assist with job creation through the upskilling and training of non-employees.”

Bata will be sponsoring seven unemployed applicants, three of which are disabled, on the NQF Level 3 Blended Learnership programme in Pinetown, Durban and Loskop near Estcourt, KwaZulu Natal.

Unemployed candidates were selected via a standard learner/workplace-experience recruitment process (Bata’s internal process) and the unemployed and disabled participants in Loskop were recruited from within the community.

“Statistics (released by Statistics SA) indicate that approximately 2.9 million South Africans are living with disabilities and only one percent of this figure is employed,” explains Harman.

“This is a concerning statistic and Bata SA will be extending the Learnership programme opportunity to potential candidates from the KwaZamokuhle School for the Physically Disabled in Loskop. Providing skills development for this sector will hopefully contribute to rectifying this situation.”

Programme candidates are required to have Numeracy and Literacy on an NQF Level 2 and a minimum of Grade 11 schooling. The 12-month Blended Learnership qualification includes theoretical learning, assignments and on-the-job training.

This Learnership provides South Africans with the opportunity to gain both a local SAQA qualification as well as an international certification, explains Rayne. The Blended Learning approach takes advantage of both digital learning and the tried-and-tested benefits of instructor-led learning,” adds Rayne.

“End User Computing is a scarce and critical skill in the MICT SETA arena,” says Richard Rayne, iLearn Chief Executive Officer. “With Bata leading the way, it is iLearn’s intention to involve the Loskop district municipality, other companies in the area and MICT SETA in the programme. Loskop is a very rural area with limited access to any formal education and this initiative provides a unique opportunity for this community to gain access to the modern economy.”