Listers, The below might be of interest to those in the BPO/ITes sector or those wanting to build a career in the sector. Full information on: http://www.ict.go.ke/index.php/hot-topic/524-coe-stakeholders-breakfast *Training for BPO/ITes workforce ready for roll out at University of Nairobi * *Certificate courses to be offered by end of year to self-sponsored students * *Nairobi, 2nd July, 2013:* The BPO/ITes industry is set to benefit from high level skills as the government is now ready to offer training to students at the Center of Excellence (CoE) set-up at the University of Nairobi. The training is meant to bridge the skills gap prevalent in Kenya outsourcing industry. A breakfast meeting held on 28th June, led by the Kenya ICT Board, the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology implementing body, appraised industry players on the progress thus far made and what is needed to roll out to would be students. “Research has revealed that there is a mismatch between what is offered at the universities and what the industry requires. The course is supposed to sharpen the skills level of our students to increase their employability,” says Andrew Lewela, Project Manager, BPO/ITes Kenya ICT Board. The CoE has been developing a curriculum and assessment tool using global standards that is supposed to impart skills for graduates in the BPO/ITes industry. Already 20 trainers of the curriculum have been prepared to teach the courses and 40 students are undergoing training on the pilot phase. The self-sponsored training is expected to be industry driven come the end of the year with 5,000 students expected to benefit each year. The meeting attended by government, academia and private sector players, enlisted stakeholders support to offer internships and employment to the CoE graduates once they complete training. It will also focus on reviewing and recommending a CoE management structure that incorporates all the relevant stakeholders including academia, industry and government. “There is need to create employment for the youth by extending ICT knowledge to the region,” Prof Elijah Omwenga, the CoE Project Leader and lecturer at the University of Nairobi. He also indicated the need for a body which will offer certification to those undertaking training like KASNEB or KNEC. Students of the 3-month certificate course are expected to get essentials skills in critical thinking, communication and technology. They will also be equipped with personality skills such as agility, adaptability and attitude. To qualify for the course, students require a minimum of a form four level certificate. Expectations are that the course will in future be offered as a bachelor’s certificate. The project is led by Kenya ICT Board in partnership with BPO/ITes companies and the academic community. The chair, Kenya Information Technology and Outsourcing society, Tejpal Bedi said: “We will drive KITOs members to offer employment to all the trainees in the pilot program. We will also consider sponsoring students for the CoE program in future.” Being a key pillar and driver of social and economic development in the Kenya Vision 2030 CoE seeks to create employment for youth in Kenya. The Government of Kenya has been keen to take up a focused BPO/ITes skills development initiative in close collaboration with the industry. The vision for the Center is that it eventually offer diploma and bachelor certificated and become a regional training hub for the BPO/ITes industry catering to training needs in the region. It will also be rolled out to other Kenya and East African training centres. ENDS Phyllis Nyambura Communication Writer Kenya ICT Board Telposta Towers, 12th Floor, Kenyatta Ave P.O. Box 27150 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya t: + 254-020-2211960/62 | m: + 254 (0) 789396433 | e: pnyambura@ict.go.ke Visit: www.ict.go.ke Become a fan: www.facebook.com/kenyaictboard Follow us on twitter: @kenyaICTboard --------------------- *Our Vision*: Kenya becomes a top 10 ICT hub * Our Mission*: To champion and actively enable Kenya to adopt and exploit ICT, through promotion of partnerships, investments and infrastructure growth for socio economic enrichment * Our Quality Policy*: Kenya ICT Board is committed to consistently deliver quality ICT services and manage projects that support the growth of Information and Communication Technology, to satisfy the needs and expectations of customers. Kenya ICT Board shall comply with all requirements and continually improve the effectiveness of the Quality Management System. Kenya ICT Board leadership shall establish and review quality objectives in line with this policy and ensure commitment of all employees.