Nurturing Tech Talent: Unleashing Innovation And Bridging Gaps In South Africa 

Recent data from the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa reveals that an impressive 54% of tech professionals are aged 35 and below, reinforcing their potential as drivers of innovation and progress.

The youth in the tech sector confront various obstacles notably, restricted access to essential resources, access to quality education, training and the necessary tools for acquiring coveted tech skills, addressing these issues is pivotal to fostering talent and narrowing the skills gap.

An additional hurdle lies in the ever-evolving technology landscape. Continuous learning and adaptability are indispensable for young talent to remain relevant. This necessitates robust training and developmental prospects. Investment in, and preparation of emerging talent are imperative for propelling innovation and fueling economic expansion within the tech industry.

The Coding Ground, an academy specialising in software development, plays a significant role in solving some of these challenges. Its rigorous 18-month curriculum concentrates on cultivating adept software developers, equipping them with essential technical, leadership, and interpersonal skills. The program is designed to expedite students’ IT careers and positively influence their trajectories.

The REDi Holbourne Group has established a longstanding partnership with The Coding Ground. The REDi Holbourne Group is an executive recruitment agency committed to fostering strong connections with both clients and candidates.  With a strong focus on Tech/Digital Recruitment, the partnership with The Coding Ground was a natural alignment.

In addition to the financial support to The Coding Ground, the REDi Holbourne Group work with the students to share workplace skills aiding students in honing their soft skills and readiness for the professional environment. We take pride in nurturing the career growth of these aspiring coders, positioning and encouraging them for a promising future. 

Sidzinga Maseko, a second year student at The Coding Ground said “I’m glad I got to learn from the REDi Holbourne Group. I know it may be easy to get interview tips online, but nothing compares to getting advice tailored to your strengths and weaknesses, from your interviewers. This is something that rarely happens, even in real life interviews”.

A recent training session, overseen by our Tech/Digital recruiters Nicole Ramos and Sarah de Roos, in conjunction with our Generalist recruiter Simonne Adcock, encompassed mock interviews and constructive individual feedback for the students. Furthermore, they provided invaluable insights and forward-looking perspectives on prospective job roles and the fundamental skill sets required for continuous upskilling and advancement.

Nicole Ramos, a specialist in Tech/Digital recruitment, reinforces the crucial importance of endorsing and empowering our local talent. She says, “The demand for skills in this sector remains robust on both local and global fronts. Graduates, exemplified by those from The Coding Ground, constitute a vital component of a thriving talent pool. This pool not only ensures swift employability but also leverages their adept skill set within our rapidly evolving and dynamic industry landscape”.

Kgothatso Tshilambwana, a first year student at The Coding Ground said the benefits from the training sessions are fantastic and that he gained the confidence of being able to be himself and will be better prepared for interviews in both technical and soft skills questions in the real world.

Jason Suttie, Founder of The Coding Ground said “A friend once said to me that a rising tide floats all the ships. We are all about growing our amazing people in South Africa and enlarging the talent pool so that everyone can benefit sustainably. It is a joy to be part of this work where we improve the lives of our graduates and by extension their families. We work so well with the REDi Holbourne Group because our values align, this allows all sorts of magic to happen.” 

For those interested in supporting and connecting with The Coding Ground, visit their website at www.thecodingground.com or reach out to tanille@thecodingground.com.

If you are considering team expansion or require assistance in strategizing your talent pipeline, the REDi Holbourne Group is an executive recruitment agency committed to fostering strong connections with both clients and candidates. Their aim is to streamline the recruitment journey, uniting skilled candidates with exceptional clients both locally and internationally. 

To learn more email info@rediholbourne.com or explore their website at www.rediholbourne.com.