The first group of 1,000 people to join Ingryd Academy, a leading company for training and outsourcing tech talent, has been announced. All of the participants got money from its innovative Scholarship Program.
A business that hires people said that its scholarship program would help Africa’s lack of tech talent by training 4,000 tech workers every year. People who sign up learn critical and in-demand niche technical skills like Data Science, Cybersecurity, Java, and Linux.
When talking about its recent induction ceremony, the academy says it’s the start of a trip that will change the participants’ lives and turn them into natural tech talent that can fill the continent’s talent gap.
“The induction ceremony started a journey that would change the chosen candidates forever.” “These people will get tough training and guidance over the next three months, giving them the knowledge and skills they need to do well in the constantly changing tech industry,” it said.
This news comes just a month after it was announced that the school would work with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF).
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Africa’s IT skill gap
While many of Africa’s youth are hoping to enter the booming tech industry, the continent still struggles with a severe lack of talent to fill the new tech jobs that are opening up every day. Reports estimate 700,000 African developers, doubling in two years. These would not be enough to cover its tech needs.
The African Development Bank predicts 4 million additional technological employment in Africa by 2025. The continent is expected to have enough skilled workers for 50% of these positions. This illustrates Africa’s tech skill shortage.
Nigeria is so affected by the continent’s tech skills crisis that companies combine tech responsibilities, and talent is taking on other roles.
The too-popular ‘japa’ mentality causes talent flight and brain drain, contributing to this scarcity. Tech Talent Visas are available in the UK. Most beneficiaries are Africans, especially Nigerians.
According to SAP Africa’s “Africa’s Tech Skills Scarcity Revealed,” 80% of Nigerian companies predict a technological skills gap this year as more workers move to wealthier countries.
Another problem is the lack of excellent tech talent development training and education. Therefore, the continent cannot swiftly replace its migrating IT expertise. More training programs are needed, especially those affordable for prospective trainees. The scholarship program at Ingryd Academy tries to fix this.
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Ingryd Academy Scholarships promote technical study
According to the Ingryd Academy, the Scholarship Program fits with its goal of giving people critical technical skills. Khadijat Abdulkadir, the school’s Managing Director, says there are jobs available but not enough talented people to fill them.
“Despite what most people think, there are jobs available. The problem is that not enough qualified people are applying for them.” She said, “Ingryd is teaching people how to do those jobs.”
The school and Lagos State Employment Trust Fund collaborated on the funding. Technology-loving Lagosians might receive full scholarships through this initiative. The group is selected based on test results and technology love. Selected candidates will receive professional coaching, hands-on training, and job placement assistance. The first students train online and at Ingryd Academy’s Lagos locations.