Fourth redAcademy cohort of software developers enters the job market

Africa has a unique approach to technology. Its tendency to skip outdated systems in favour of newer solutions is creating opportunities for innovation and the quick adoption of advanced technologies – noted as a key trend in Deloitte’s annual Tech Trends Report 2024.

But the critical shortage of skills needed to build a resilient and adaptable technology ecosystem demands a unique approach to training youth entering the information technology (IT) sector.

The end of January marked the graduation ceremony of the fourth cohort of junior software developers, termed ‘Sprinters’, to complete training at redAcademy’s Mowbray Campus.

Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth at the City of Cape Town, said in his keynote address: “We are preparing a talent pipeline of potential so we can solve complicated tech problems and come up with improved business solutions.

“redAcademy is making a real impact in the unemployment queue. Not only training youth in critical job-ready skills but preparing them for future growth personally, in their communities and, ultimately, their country and beyond. Because Africa is filled with potential. We want to aim for homegrown products and solutions that continue to fuel the pipelines of skills, products, services and solutions that are made in Cape Town and South Africa.”

As a leader in Africa’s tech economy, the result of advanced digital infrastructure and a vibrant tech ecosystem, President Cyril Ramaphosa in his recent State of the Nation Address reaffirmed the government’s proactive commitment to fostering the growth of South Africa’s digital future alongside job creation efforts for unemployed youth.

redAcademy is a unique, real-world learning hub that teaches coding and technology skills while collaborating with South African businesses that face a massive skills gap. Its purpose is to fuel a tech talent pipeline that is sustainable and future-ready.

redAcademy’s success is the result of its Skills-Integration-as-a-Service (SlaaS) model, which removes the biggest obstacle to onboarding entry-level developers. As a managed solution with every step of the training process handled, junior developers start their first day on job fully immersed in a company’s culture and live projects.

Training is delivered over the course of a year and includes an initial six-month sprint focused on theory and coding, delivered in a live office environment by a professional lecturer with support from senior, industry-leading developers.

redAcademy manages the second six months, delivering live client projects into clients’ businesses, overseen by senior technical mentors. This allows the company to build a network and understanding of real-world work within organisations’ operations processes and business functions. It also provides opportunities to develop career-critical soft skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, critical thinking, creativity and leadership.

Upon completion of their studies and training, each candidate who achieves the redStandard of Excellence is guaranteed a job interview.

This year, redAcademy continued its track record of creating and launching careers in technology, with candidates accepting offers of employment from organisations including the Lewis Group, redPanda Software and Chat Inc.

Jessica Hawkey, managing director of redAcademy, said of the impact on the IT sector and wider economy: “In a country where there are 4.8 million unemployed youth, every skill imparted, every career created, is something to be incredibly proud of. This wave of change we are creating is just the beginning. There is tremendous opportunity for graduates and redAcademy alumni, now and in the future, in both local and international businesses.”

Speaking to graduates, she said: “You chose a path you knew was going to be challenging. But you’ve reached the top of the mountain, with the knowledge, grit and determination to back up your skills. You are part of this pioneering opportunity that shows a new way for youth to enter careers in software development, but this isn’t a lone journey.”

She went on to thank the redAcademy partner organisations.

The Lewis Group, a leading retailer since 1934, has supported redAcademy since its inception. This year, the group integrated three graduates into its IT team.

redPanda Software with a dedicated team of 170+ retail technology professionals, offers innovative solutions tailored to the fast-paced nature of retail. It mentors and supports graduates through their journey and beyond, by offering permanent placement in its organisation.

Human capital director at redPanda Software Insaaf Daniels said they have had the opportunity to recruit 19 Sprinters from redAcademy and place them throughout the company to work on different client projects within their teams.

“The placements from redAcademy have not only helped us save on recruitment costs but have also contributed to our employee retention due to the ease of integration into our culture and tech stack. Partnering with redAcademy has allowed us to contribute to the growth of our youth within South Africa and also grow our own staff complement within redPanda Software. We are excited to continue this journey with redAcademy and increase placements from 19 to 22 in the first quarter of 2025.”

Chat Inc, with a footprint of global customers and business partners, brings businesses and their employees and customers closer through meaningful and frictionless engagement solutions. It was represented at the graduation ceremony by redAcademy alumni who are now part of the company’s internal IT team.