Staff Reporter.
Last month Esri South Africa, the global market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), announced the opening of applications for its bursary to study towards a two-year Diploma in Geoinformation Science and Technology.
The deadline of Tuesday, 30 November 2021 is fast approaching. We therefore encourage all qualifying 2020 / 2021 matriculants to apply for this unique, not to-be missed study opportunity, which is coupled with on the job training.
Qualifying applicants must have matriculated in 2020 or 2021 with a Mathematics grade of at least 65%, be self-motivated, curious, hardworking, have strong ethical values and problem-solving skills.
Esri South Africa College Head, Mr Melikhaya Sihawu, has called upon young South Africans to take up this greatly rewarding opportunity.
Mr Sihawu said, “we are living in a rapidly changing world, and with that change comes a change in the skills required to be employable and to lead. The future of work requires both high-value employers and employees to be competent in science, technology, engineering and mathematics or STEM subjects; and Esri South Africa’s Diploma in Geoinformation Science and Technology bursary gives five learners a foothold in this exciting world, with a focus on geographic information system (GIS).”
Explaining what GIS is, Mr Sihawu, went on further to state that “GIS is the application of the science of where, which helps with simplifying decisions for decision-makers. GIS is a discipline that can be applied to many different fields from environmental management to retail to transport to location intelligence. Making everyday decisions, such as which route to get to work. Then there’s managing a national budget as a government and needing to know exactly how and where that budget gets spent. There’s also mapping outbreaks of disease, and using GIS to organise logistics and to mitigate risk.”
The South African Geomatics Council accredited qualification on offer covers both theoretical and practical aspects of geo-information science and technology. Furthermore, during the 36-module course completed over two-years, students will learn how to plan, build and implement geographical information systems projects, enabling them to perform a range of functions that would be required from a GIS specialist.
The Esri South Africa bursary will cover course fees, textbooks and any other applicable study material needed for students to complete their studies. Accommodation and travelling costs will be at the expense of the learner.
Aside from learning, students will also be fully immersed in the world of GIS through part-time work at Esri South Africa’s Midrand offices. Upon the completion of studies and after gaining the necessary work-integrated learning experience, graduates will be able to register as a GISc Technician with the South African Geomatics Council.
Qualifying 2020 or 2021 matriculants must apply by Tuesday, 30 November 2021.
Application information can be found at www.esri-southafrica.com, by visiting Esri South Africa on all social media platforms or calling 011 238 6300.