FEATURE
A proven approach to meeting the high demand for STEM grads is to use the
transferrable skills and critical thinking of our current non-STEM talent. By
identifying people from diverse backgrounds who want to be re-skilled for high-
value tech jobs and matching them with the coursework they need to obtain
STEM skills, we can fill the critical jobs needed to meet tech industry demands.
One strategy involves the option of offering STEM ‘bridge courses’ toward
graduate STEM degrees for workers with non-STEM backgrounds. In addition, by
partnering more closely with Print supplier companies, SAIP can create curricula
designed to meet the timely demands of these cutting-edge STEM domains.
SAIP strongly believes that the South African economy depends on a dynamic,
technically skilled workforce to stay competitive. SAIP and other Professional
institutions are tackling this problem through innovative programmes that
enable workers without technical backgrounds to earn skills in the fields of
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). SAIP has a new
programme, which qualifies print professionals and trains workers with new
skills.
‘We should not worry about these inevitable changes or fear becoming slaves to
our computers. Rather, we should embrace the concept of ‘humanics’, in which
humans and smart machines can coexist in a mutually beneficial relationship. As
the machines become smarter and more powerful, they will enable humans to
become lifelong learners who are more agile and nimble,’ stated Thobela.
The World Economic Forum report states that by 2020 two million new jobs will
be added in the STEM disciplines, driving the need to upskill educated people
with new knowledge and experience. Hybrid learning blends conventional
classroom lectures with flexible online classes and co-op job opportunities.
A hybrid educational model becomes the ideal format for growth because it
emphasises the development of real-world job skills.
Such courses are structured to be interactive, experiential and participatory.
Along with online and classroom learning modules, these courses are
supplemented by co-ops and internships to provide alternative means
for young people and career-changers to branch into STEM careers. Such
transition programmes are critical for achieving diversity and increasing the
competitiveness of the South African workforce.
Our country is being challenged by a hyper-competitive global economy
powered by groundbreaking new technologies. These technologies include
big data analytics, real-time platforms for stock trading, the Internet of Things,
virtual reality, unmanned aerial drones, genomics, biotech nanotech, and so
much more.
The growing worldwide push for new technological innovation will continue
to create an acute demand for data analysts and computer scientists to make
sense of so much raw information. Rather than starting from scratch, the best
approach is to retrain existing workers with new skills in data analytics and
printing technology for the 21st century workforce. By filling this recruitment
gap, South Africa can ensure its competitive advantage in the rapidly changing
global economy and thus protect more workers from job-stealing robots and
automated machines.
Printing SA (+27 11) 287 1160
[email protected]
www.printingsa.org
Outdoor signage that lasts up to 5 years
Sublimation
Transfer Paper
Sublimation
Powder Coating
Aluminum Panel
Duraluxe sublimation panels offer:
• Maximum Outdoor Resistance
• Scratch-Resistant Finishes
• UV-Resistant Finishes
• Powder Coated Sublimation • Anti-Graffiti Finishes
• Chemical Resistant Finishes
• Textured, Matte & Glossy Finishes
• Premium Quality Aluminum
High definition
image Scratch
resistance
Outdoor
resistance
Chemical resistance
and Anti-graffiti
Tel: +27 11 789 6033
Email: [email protected]
www.jgelectronics.com
Branches in Johannesburg,
Cape Town and Bloemfontein
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ELECTRONICS
ISSUE 95 MAY/JUNE 2018 | www.SignAfrica.com