Interns from Walter Sisulu Local Municipality Enhance Digital Skills

Story: Phumla Ngubo | Photo: Phumla Ngubo

In an effort to support skill development among young individuals, the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality (WSLM), in partnership with the UbuntuInstitute and sponsorship from Finance and Accounting Services Sector Educationand Training Authority (FASSET), recently launched a program to improve the digital skills of interns.

A key aspect of this program was providing laptops, known as Tools of Trade, to interns. These laptops were given to assist their participation in a thorough Digital Skills Training program, focusing primarily on Microsoft Excel proficiency.

The training, which took place from 29 April 2024 to 3 May 2024 in Maletswai, offered interns the opportunity to strengthen their abilities with Microsoft Excel, an essential tool in today's digital world. The program was divided into three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced.

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, interns engaged with a curriculum designed to boost their Excel skills. Modules covered included Microsoft Excel Basic (SAQA US: 116937), Microsoft Excel Intermediate (SAQA US: 116940), and Microsoft Excel Advanced (SAQA US: 116943).

Sessions ran from 08:00 to 16:00, providing interns with ample time to interact with the material, take part in practical exercises, and deepen their understanding of Excel's features. Sandra Koyana, the program coordinator, expressed confidence in the interns' ability to utilise these new skills for professional growth. She highlighted the importance of such training in enhancing their roles within the municipality and increasing their employability.

"We believe the skills they gain will be valuable for their professional development. We are excited to offer interns this opportunity to enhance their skills and contribute meaningfully to the workforce," remarked Koyana.

By equipping interns with advanced Excel skills, the program aims to empower them to handle complex data analysis tasks confidently, enabling them to contribute effectively to organisational projects.

As interns return to their roles armed with enhanced digital capabilities, WSLM remains dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering growth. Through initiatives like the Digital Skills Training program, the municipality continues to pave the way for a brighter future for its interns and the community.