The first cohort of Skills for Success (S4S) learners have graduated after successfully completing a Google IT Professional Certificate programme delivered by the International Youth Foundation (IYF).

The Google Certificate is an internationally benchmarked and recognised training programme which aims to  equip young people with technical skills and competencies required to enter the information technology (IT) industry.

While the training addresses key skills gaps and aids in decreasing youth unemployment, IYF explains that its S4S programme provides learners with mentorship, soft skills support, and placement opportunities. Skills such as collaboration, communication, adaptability, leadership, teamwork, self-confidence, and cultural awareness are all included to help increase the employability of young adults.

"Our success is a result of the commitment, and perseverance of the learners, which has driven results not just on the programme objective but in the learners’ lives. Given the remarkable results achieved to date, Google continues to support IYF with another year of funding. We are pleased that Google has expanded the training offering by introducing four additional Google certifications in IT Support, Project Management, Data Analytics, and UX Design," says IYF country director South Africa Anusha Naicker.

IYF has partnered with various stakeholders to deliver its programme, including funding partner Google that has enabled access to the Coursera training platform. A partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training has also enabled access to technical and vocational education and training colleges and learners, as well as various implementing partners in KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Johannesburg.

IYF notes that, as a result of these partnerships, 192 learners have successfully graduated from the programme. Within six months of course completion, the foundation aims to monitor students’ access to learnerships, jobs, and other income-generating activities such as gig work.

Developing youth to excel in digital competencies requires business participation in a system that encompasses education, workforce development programmes and young people, asserts the foundation.