Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) education facility Forge Academy will provide 12-month internship opportunities, sponsored by network equipment and services multinational Nokia, for 33 youths to grow their digital skillsets in 4IR disciplines, says Forge Academy CEO Arthur Wade Anderson.
Sectors that rely on the 4IR skills and tools include economic development, trade and industry, agriculture, infrastructure, labour, science and technology, higher education, basic education, health and communications.
Interns will gain practical industry-related experience and receive guidance and on-the-job training from well-qualified and experienced mentors in each field of study.
Once the internship is completed, there will be further opportunities for full-time employment with Forge Academy, support for graduates starting their own business ventures and assistance in seeking full-time employment.
“The 4IR is not just an alternative educational stream. Instead, it needs to become the core around which all academic programmes are built to ensure that our learners are future-fit. The 4IR offers opportunities in entrepreneurship and employment for young adults like never seen before. We need to take advantage of these opportunities and empower the next generation of young African citizens to be the future leaders of this revolution,” says Anderson.
Any unemployed South African between the ages of 18 and 26 with a matric certificate can apply via the Forge Academy website. Applicants must submit a certified copy of their identity document (not older than three months), their matric certificate, their highest qualifications achieved, an updated curriculum vitae and proof of relevant experience in the field being applied for by September 15.
4IR disciplines include software development, user experience, or UX, design and three-dimensional graphics and game design, besides others.
Selected applicants will be invited to complete a four-week evaluation boot camp.
From there, a final 33 interns will be chosen to work at Forge Academy for a 12-month period. Each student will have an accredited qualification to assist in securing career opportunities.