Johannesburg — Information technology (IT) graduates from the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) are to benefit from a partnership between the university, the private sector and the community.

"The faculty of management sciences, Technological Complex International and the Ipelegeng Community Centre signed a memorandum of understanding to offer experiential training for IT graduates," says Jan Grundling, head of TUT's centre for entrepreneurship.

"In terms of the agreement, graduates who have completed their IT degree and are unable to find employment will undergo one year experiential training at the Ipelegeng Community Centre in Soweto.

"The university will select 20 graduates to undergo experiential training which begins in July next year. This initiative allows graduates to apply their IT skills to assist the community while they acquire entrepreneurship guidance.

"The graduates will be financed by Cesko, a UK-based computer solutions company that provides PCs, training and support for the centre.

"The initiative is aimed at developing and upgrading ICT as well as creating opportunities for previously disadvantaged individuals (PDIs) to market themselves in the rather sceptical IT industry.

"Through such initiatives we are trying to change the mindset of ICT companies in realising that there's a great deal of potential and willingness among the PDIs.

"The IT graduates will be selected according to their specialisation to form a multi-task team to cover all aspects at the community centre," says Grundling.