Team Career Planet – Career Planet

What is Cloud Computing?

Team Career Planet — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 03:58:25 +0000

CLOUD COMPUTING CAREERS

Simply put, cloud computing is the delivery of computing services – including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics and intelligence – over the Internet (“the cloud”) to offer faster innovation, flexible resources and economies of scale. Typically, an organisation only pays for cloud services they use, helping lower operating costs, run infrastructure more efficiently and scale as needs change.

Cloud computing examples that you will already know include social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; services such as Netflix and Uber – as well as business solutions such as Office 365, Teams, OneDrive.

Cloud computing is at the heart of modern technology solutions. Organisations increasingly embrace ‘Digital Transformation’ to become more agile, competitive and productive.

Cloud enables businesses to access ‘evergreen’, secure, flexible computing and software from any location at any time at any scale they need. Public Cloud services from global companies like Microsoft, Google and Amazon also provide advanced features such as data analytics and artificial intelligence in a much more affordable and accessible way than before.

Most organisations have used Cloud computing within their operations in some form – often simpler services such as email or backup, but Cloud is increasing the only option for all their future computing needs.

This demand for Cloud solutions is driving a massive demand for Cloud professionals who can help design, develop and support these solutions. By opting for a career in Cloud you will help businesses transform their technology and embark on a life-long journey of learning that will be sought after around the world for decades to come.

Source: Cloud Direct

Emerging markets must embrace the power of crypto.

Team Career Planet — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 00:36:03 +0000

Society is at a turning point.

Inequality has been growing for decades, with the world’s richest 1% today owning 45% of its wealth. Many countries are missing out on the benefits of a developed and inclusive financial system, and emerging markets are increasingly struggling to keep up. But to what extent can crypto solve their problems and increase financial inclusion? Are emerging markets ready to take advantage of the potential benefits on offer?

An unequal playing field.

The issues faced by emerging markets in the financial sector can often be traced to historical structural inequalities. As the rest of the developed world continues to grow and innovate, many emerging economies are still struggling to overcome the very basic issues that their developed counterparts dealt with decades, or centuries ago. They are beset by poor corporate governance, weak legal and judicial infrastructures, and limited access to reliable information.

This results in opaque financial systems that are prone to corruption. In a Bank of International Settlements (BIS) report on financial stability in emerging markets, it was claimed that the lack of transparency about banks’ operations and financial conditions makes it difficult for stakeholders to exercise proper market discipline. The lack of effective management and political interference also makes it difficult for banks to exercise prudence in the loans sector, dragging people into debt they are unable to get out from under of.

Investopedia notes that “Investors who seek a fair, competitive business environment will avoid investing in countries where there is a high level of corruption.” Poor education and limited access to adequate healthcare are also often serious problems within emerging markets – these, too, have a direct, serious impact on the viability for emerging economies to perform.

Enter, tech.

Disruptive technologies can and have helped to remedy the financial disparity in emerging markets. If we look at the case for Artificial intelligence (AI) being used, the applications are poised to aid a variety of inefficiencies. Owing to AI’s sophistication, many believe it lends itself better to applications in developed economies; but AI is perhaps even more relevant in emerging markets,

In villages in Indonesia and Kenya, AI enabled systems are making it easier for small entrepreneurs and farmers to gain work more efficiently. Across these emerging economies, farmers are able to use common mobile devices to access AI-enabled weather services that provide real-time information on weather, water usage and requirements and soil conditions, allowing them to make more informed operating decisions.

In terms of financial inclusion, though, there are few technologies having a greater impact than cryptocurrencies.

A growing market.

The potential of cryptocurrency in emerging markets is already being realised to an extent, with high levels of adoption increasingly reflecting this. According to a 2019 Statista Global Consumer Survey, the top five countries in terms of cryptocurrency adoption are Turkey, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina and South Africa.

Out with the old, in with equality.

When we look back at the history of the financial system, we’ve got to think about who it was there to serve. Big banks have always been in the business of making money – from credit lending to interest rates. These are not what emerging market participants are after.

The blockchain and cryptocurrency space has thus far looked at the technology’s implications for solving economic and social problems. That too is changing, in ways that treat emerging markets not as beneficiaries of global do-goodism but as full market participants.

Equal access is an issue plaguing many of the world’s monolithic industry structures: healthcare, education, finance. The worry creeps in when we realise the more progress is made, the bigger the gap grows.

Technology to the rescue.

Emerging markets may actually be better equipped than their more developed counterparts to exploit the benefits of new technology. They don’t have the established, legacy systems built up during previous waves of technological innovation. This means they are more agile and more able to build systems afresh.

For example, as Tyler Winklevoss, successful investor and entrepreneur, explains: “A lot of African countries leapfrogged the infrastructure of landline telecoms with cellular. They skipped that step. Blockchain will have the greatest impact in areas where the payment networks don’t exist or are very poor.”

Considering the heavily entrenched nature of older financial systems, in particular, it makes sense that emerging markets are better poised to start from scratch with innovative financial solutions. There’s an advantage to starting with little to no structure, because when change happens, agility and flexibility will always win the race.

Career Planet thanks Luno for providing access to the exciting new changes rising on our horizons. For more easily digestible news and informative insights on the power of Crypto in emerging economies, READ HERE.

Considering a career in Business Management?

Team Career Planet — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 12:07:47 +0000

Prior to studying, Aqeelah Abrahams was temporarily employed with business and marketing service providers. This gave her the motivation to study towards a formal qualification in Business Management, which would expose her to all the fundamentals of business.

At the end of 2019, Aqeelah completed her Business Management N6 and was successfully placed by the False Bay TVET College Work Integrated Learning Department at Maritz Electrical Central Office. Maritz Electrical provides complete, turnkey electrical and lighting solutions to the public and private sectors in commercial, domestic and industrial markets.

Upon completion of her 18-month internship, the management unanimously agreed that she should be offered a permanent placement, which she happily accepted. This is, however, not the end of her story. Aqeelah is responsible for customer service, accounts, orders, payments and reporting. Her experience in the financial department has helped her realise her acumen for numbers and as such, she now is redirecting her career focus to the finance sector. She has already completed an online bookkeeping and accounting course and will be pursuing an online qualification to specialise in financial accounting.

Steven Gabrielse, Finance Executive said “Aqeelah has received much praise from her colleagues and even the directors. They all acknowledge her capabilities and agree that she is an asset to the company. She has grown tremendously in her role, and we are happy to provide further graduates internship opportunities if they demonstrate her good work ethic.”

Aqeelah advised anyone considering to study with False Bay TVET College to go for it. “The 18 months of Work Integrated Learning really gets you ready for permanent employment. Also, in my case helped me identify my strengths and interest in the financial aspects of the business.”

Prepare for a career in IT with TVET

Team Career Planet — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 11:36:06 +0000

Changing the stereotype that IT is for nerds! Sioux (pronounced Sue) Williams is everything but a nerd. A high pace young lady, she enjoys playing golf and squash, scuba dives and even enjoys a little drag racing when the opportunity presents itself.

But during the workweek, she expresses her energy for life through her dynamic content creation. She is employed with Be Safe Paramedical since April 2021. Sioux is in charge of the smooth running and updating of the business website and social pages, including the development of all content.

Completing her National Certificate (Vocational) in Information Technology, at the False Bay TVET College, Fish Hoek Campus, Sioux knew from Grade 9 which industry she wanted to be in. “There are such great career prospects for individuals with the right ICT qualifications. We are in the digital era which has created a space for so many to explore and for new innovations” Says Sioux.

While Sioux most enjoyed the multimedia and electronic aspects of her learning, her Programming lecturer Mr. Gilmore Magwaza remembers her fondly for her natural aptitude. “She was a bright student and did well in her programmes which included Visual Basic, HTML, CSS, Java and many more. These programmes give our students the tools to build and illustrate a website and I am sure she will go forward and produce good websites in the future,” said Magwaza.

This is exactly the space Sioux wants to be, her goal is to work abroad with a graphic design and web development agency.

The new Tourism pioneers.

Team Career Planet — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 09:05:25 +0000

Maya Angelou said “I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels.” She could’ve been referring to Bernice Maharaj. While Covid-19 has kept her grounded, she dreams of traveling to the countries and cities she works with and beyond, at her employer Hideaways, a subsidiary of Jenman Africa Safaris.

Recently appointed after a 6-month Work Integrated Learning Placement at False Bay TVET College, Bernice is now the junior Reservation Consultant for a collection of bespoke properties and luxury safari experiences that are positioned across Southern Africa.

Completing her National Certificate N6 in Tourism in 2021, she would happily recommend studying at False Bay TVET College for the opportunities it presents.

Bernice is exposed to all aspects of the Agency, liaising with clients and providers, bookings, custom service, accounts, logistics and even a little marketing. Her all-round experience makes her an exceptional addition to any Travel and Tours Agency.

While this story sounds like a fairy tale, at times during her study career, she questioned her choice of study, her thoughts giving into the uncertainty of others. However, through small validations, a good lecturer and her determination to follow her dreams, her passion and enthusiasm for the industry was restored. “Don’t follow your families and friends’ dreams, follow your own and always put your best work forward” recommends Bernice.

When she attended the World Travel Market Exhibition in 2019, as part of a class excursion, her mind was opened to so many possibilities that she realised she wasn’t dreaming big enough. “The tourism sector is so vast and intertwined with so many direct and indirect career possibilities.”
Focused on her career and travel goals, we are sure she will be getting her passport stamped soon!

Arts vs Maths in the 4th Industrial Revolution

Team Career Planet — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 09:39:00 +0000

The arts could become more important for young people than maths in the future, according to a leading education expert.

Researcher Andreas Schleicher, who leads the Programme for International Student Assessment at the intergovernmental economic organisation OECD, believes that young people could benefit more from the skills gained through creativity than test-based learning.

Schleicher, who is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading educational thinkers, said: “I would say, in the fourth industrial revolution, arts may become more important than maths.

“We talk about ‘soft skills’ often as social and emotional skills, and hard skills as about science and maths, but it might be the opposite,” he said, suggesting that science and maths may become ‘softer’ in future when the need for them decreases due to technology, and the ‘hard skills’ will be “your curiosity, your leadership, your persistence and your resilience”.

His comments follow concerns that a traditional STEM curriculum could make young people less prepared for the demands of the future.

“When you look at the types of tasks that students are doing, they are more those that are associated with the past than the future – the kind of things that are easy to teach and easy to test. It is precisely those things that are easier to digitise.

“The modern world doesn’t reward you for what you know, but for what you can do with what you know,” he said.

Source: thestage.co.uk (edited)

Your Gap Year; things to consider.

Team Career Planet — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 11:41:46 +0000

How does COVID-19 impact gap year plans?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is likely to have an impact on your gap year, whether you plan to travel, or stay local and get a job. It’s likely that as guidance from UK governments, and other countries change you might need to review or, in some cases, reschedule your plans.

A gap year offers you the opportunity to gain skills and experiences, while giving you time to reflect and focus on what you want to do next.

A productive gap year can be valuable on your CV – many employers value the experiences students have gained if they’ve actively managed their time, set themselves goals, and stretched themselves.
A gap year can also enhance your higher education studies – if you decide to apply for uni, you could tailor your gap year to relate it to the subject area you plan to study.
Admissions tutors know that some students may take a little time to adjust to studying again, but many former gap year students are generally more focused and responsible.

Why do you want to take a year out?

It’s really important to set goals to make your time productive, so you need to identify what you want to achieve. You might want to:

have a break from study
gain new skills/experiences
earn money
spend time deciding what you want to do
do a combination of the above

A year out isn’t an option that suits everyone – for some, it may be advisable not to take a break between studies. Here are some pros and cons to consider.

Pros	Cons
An opportunity to have a break from studying and return refreshed. You can volunteer, get valuable work experience, and travel the world.	Some people find a year out becomes a distraction from their longer term plans.
A productive gap year can be valuable on your CV.	An unstructured year out may not add much value to your future – careful thought and planning is essential.
You could relate the experience and activities to the subject area you plan to study.	It can be harder to return to study or work after a year-long break.
You can earn and save money towards your higher education costs or future plans.	It can be expensive and you could find yourself in a worse financial position at the end.
You will develop maturity if you don’t yet feel ready for higher education or work life. For some careers, it can be an advantage to be slightly older and have some life experience.	If you don’t get organised, you may end up spending your gap year just ‘thinking about it’.

Do your research

It’s really important to form a plan of what you will do for the year, no matter what your gap year idea is, and you need to start planning well in advance. Some voluntary work schemes are popular and have strict deadlines, and you need to consider when you need the money to pay for airfares or visas.

There are loads of ideas you could consider – some might fill an entire year, others a few weeks or months. You could also combine more than one idea.

There is a wide range of gap year and volunteering schemes available. If you’re using an agency or scheme, check out how long they have been running, if they are financially sound, and are members of a reputable organisation.

If you want to organise it yourself, research the costs of the features offered by organised schemes which appeal to you, but make sure you get advice on safety, any additional checks, and insurance cover you may need to consider.

You may find useful information on social media, online forums, and websites. Look at the reviews, articles, and advice from people who’ve ‘been there and done that’ for the sort of gap year you’re considering.

Gap year ideas, what can you do?

Volunteering – support a worthwhile cause and gain valuable experience. You could take part in a wildlife conservation project, teach children, or help build a school in a third world country.
Travel – explore the world, discover new cultures, and develop your independent living skills at the same time! You could go backpacking across South East Asia, InterRail through Europe, or buy a round the world plane ticket!
Paid employment – earn money and gain new skills at home or aboard. You could work on an outback farm in Australia, as a ski lift operator in Canada, or at a backpacker hostel in New Zealand.
Work experience – if you want to gain relevant experience and skills for a particular career or subject you plan to study, you could consider a work placement or internship. These can last from a few weeks to a year. Depending on the type of contract on offer, you may or may not receive a salary. These are very popular and competition for places is high, so you will need to apply early.
Part-time courses – why not take the opportunity to try something new? You could take up a new language, learn how to programme, try a new sport or music instrument, or learn a new practical skill, such as mechanics, carpentry, or cookery.

Gap year tips

What do you want to achieve from a gap year? New skills, experience, or do you want more time to consider your future? Set goals to make your time productive – think about getting the right balance between time spent and benefits gained.
How much time can you be away and when? What do you want to spend your time doing and where? Are you going to work, are there interests or hobbies you can take further, or do you want to help others by volunteering? What value will it add to your study, your CV, or career?
What is available? Research the wide range of gap year and volunteering schemes available, or look into organising it yourself. If you’re using an agency or scheme, check out how long they have been running, if they are financially sound, and are members of a reputable organisation, where they agree to follow a code of conduct. Look at the reviews, articles, and advice from people who’ve ’been there and done’ the sort of gap year you’re considering.

Here are some starter ideas on who to contact:

GVI Africa

Gap Year International

Gap Africa

PlanMyGapYear

Top 5 Gap Year Organisations

Volunteer in Africa

False Bay College

How much money will you need? Unless you’re planning to work or have some financial help, you are going to need money. Set yourself a realistic budget that you can afford to stick to. Costs vary considerably, so research carefully and don’t forget to add things like flights, visas, accommodation, insurance, and vaccinations (you can check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for information on vaccinations).

Get advice

It’s worth checking forums and social media for tips and insight into other people’s experience of gap years you’re interested in, particularly if you are looking at going abroad. Think carefully about what you want to do, and seek advice if you want to talk your ideas through further.
It may be possible to defer your acceptance of a place on a higher education course for a year – however, you may need to make your case directly to the university or college concerned for why this would be beneficial.
If you have any doubts, discuss your ideas further with parents/carers, teachers, or a careers adviser

Source: UCAS (University & College Admissions Service)

What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?

Team Career Planet — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 14:43:05 +0000

Serendipitous. Not the word one would normally use to describe the arrival of COVID-19 in 2019.

Yet, were it not for the speed with which the COVID-19 pandemic propelled the Higher Education sector into the digital classroom, False Bay TVET College might not have reached the current levels of application of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in its teaching and learning

And, thanks to the expert knowledge and support of the Higher Education Disability Services Association (HEDSA), the national HEI disability support network, we were ready when the opportunity came.

What is UDL? – a brief background

With the advent of personal computing and the internet, researchers and educators recognised the inability of the traditional mode of education – the teacher-centric, formal classroom, instructional mind-set that many adults today still view as synonymous with education – to effectively educate people with different learning needs.

From the outset, this change in thinking involved more than just incorporating computers, data and software but breaking away from traditional learning modes. This meant that students and educators had to adapt to a significantly different way of learning and a new approach to both the learning content and the mode of delivery that allowed for individual student personalities and diverse learning styles.

UDL in principle

UDL is a way of thinking about teaching and learning that aims to give all students an equal opportunity to succeed. It offers flexibility in the way’s students access material, engage with it and demonstrate what they know. This approach may be especially helpful for students with different learning and thinking abilities, different learning styles as well as English language barriers. By recognising that individuals learn differently and being open to including all ways that humans learn, a UDL framework “guides the design of instructional goals, assessments, methods and materials that can be customised and adjusted to meet individual needs” (Center for Applied Special Technology – CAST. Click here for more information about UDL

UDL arrives at False Bay TVET College

With a well-established Inclusive Education (IE) Department, False Bay TVET College (FBC) was more than ready to undertake therequired transition in teaching and learning. After our initial engagement in HEDSA, our staff attended an inspirational UDL workshop coordinated and hosted by Dr Marcia Lyner-Cleophas, who currently heads the Disability Unit at the Centre for Student Counselling and Development of Stellenbosch University.

Despite the initial shock of lockdown restrictions in 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic proved fortuitous, as we seized the urgent imperative to develop a proactive response plan as an opportunity to roll out a strong Academic Recovery Plan that incorporated UDL principles.

The Academic Management team implemented a blended learning approach at FBC to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on teaching and learning. Along with a six-day time-table (three-day class time and three-day home study cycle), other measures were implemented to enable quality access. The upgrading of the MYFBC remote learning management tool and content was key. The new system is zero-rated, content is externally assured and guidelines for asynchronous learning are applied. Content is packaged to promote the blended learning approach, with problem-based learning promoting self-study skills and peer-assisted learning.

While lecturers were eager to save the academic year, the new requirements could be overwhelming at times. Despite this, the advantages of UDL were soon apparent to the lecturers and academic managers.

Not only is UDL a powerful approach to effecting inclusion, but it offers enormous potential for all students to survive and thrive through asynchronous learning, self-directed learning, blended learning and flexible approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. UDL emphasises the ideal of student-centred learning. Crucially, for the majority of our institutions and students who are under-resourced and lack the financial means to afford high-end technology, UDL can be implemented on the ground through simple and effective actions. We advocate ‘use what you have’ at FBC. For example, lecturers can provide explanations in various visual, aural and kinaesthetic modes (see www.vark-learn.com for more information).

A workshop to cement learnings

Following extensive engagement between the FBC IE Department, E-learning facilitator Mr Mark Selby and the Deputy Principal (Academic), a College-wide virtual UDL workshop was presented to over 40 academic and support staff on 26 May 2021. The workshop practiced the principles it preached, using interactive virtual presentation tools to introduce UDL and share its possibilities for improving student participation and success. Dr JP Bosman, the Director of the Centre for Learning Technologies at Stellenbosch University, demonstrated the core principles and practical applications of UDL in a highly engaging manner as our key speaker. Dr Lyner-Cleophas, who is also an active member of the HEDSA Executive, was on hand throughout the workshop’s development with invaluable encouragement and advice.

In addition to Dr Bosman, FBC’s E-Learning Department Manager, Ms Carol Dwyer, shared the work her department was doing to facilitate blended learning. Ms Dwyer’s presentation made excellent use of various modes of content delivery to reach a wider audience and to show what was possible.

The IE Department’s main role is to support FBC students with a wide range of disabilities to achieve their academic potential. IE staff members Ms Judith de Jager and Ms Jacqueline Lenting, both experienced occupational therapists, co-presented on the application of UDL in the FBC teaching and learning context. The workshop emphasised that while UDL has specific strengths in making teaching and learning more accessible for students with barriers to learning, the approach makes education more effective and meaningful for all students. Rather than adapting mainstream protocols to accommodate people with disabilities, the principle of Inclusive Practice requires educators to recognise that all students have diverse strengths and support needs, and that our approach to teaching, learning and assessment must always adopt this perspective.

UDL accessibility guidelines from HEDSA that were shared in the workshop (also see website: https://www.understood.org/articles/en/5-examples-of-universal-design-for-learning-in-the-classroom) included:

If PDF documents are used they must not be saved in JPEG /image format (this enables screen-reading software);
Have transcription done of the video recording and podcasts;
Use visual explanation to explain concepts, clarify new concepts and use concrete and relatable examples;
Provide assignment options wherever possible;
Post lesson goals;
Provide texts in audio and digital format;
Provide frequent feedback.

Staff who attended the workshop were encouraged to apply their learning and use the e-learning resources that had been demonstrated, and to develop and upload material to the electronic learning platform, MyFBC, in line with UDL principles. The MyFBC platform also allowed for lecturer discussion, resource sharing, feedback on the workshop, and requests and suggestions for further training. Some of the participants were so eager to get started that they began to cascade learning from the workshop to other staff on the same day. The IE and E-learning teams continue to facilitate the development and sharing of materials by the staff who participated in the highly rewarding workshop.

Discussions of many UDL-related topics that support teaching and learning in HET can be accessed on the websites mentioned above. Other resources and tools for UDL are accessible to FBC staff via the MyFBC platform, including:

Zeetings: a web-based platform that enables participants in a workshop or class to actively contribute through live polls.
Handbrake: an open-source resource tool for converting video from nearly any format to a selection of modern, widely supported codecs. This makes it easier to incorporate video material in teaching.
Presi: an alternative to MS PowerPoint, that allows the presenter to interact with the learning visuals.

It is encouraging to report that our experiences with UDL at FBC thus far confirm that UDL is a powerful tool for orienting mind-sets and teaching methodologies towards achieving study success, and does so in a way that confirms equity and fair access as principles of the new emerging pedagogy in the digital world.

Fancy a career as a Drone Pilot?

Team Career Planet — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 04:34:20 +0000

You may have started dreaming of sending a drone soaring above the landscape a long time ago but now want to make the dream a reality as more and jobs are opening up across the globe. You may already have tried your hand with models or toys but the dream of being a drone pilot and earning a living that way, is now more than ever, within your grasp.

What is a drone pilot?

Officially a drone pilot operates Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). In the USA it is known as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAS).

They control drones using remote controls or automated software. Commercial drone pilots are professionals who fly drones for a huge variety of organisations.

What does a drone pilot do?

A commercial drone pilot operates a drone to collect data or images or deliver items like parcels or agricultural seed. They can work in a variety of sectors, including:

Real estate: Real estate agencies sometimes hire drone pilots to take photos and videos of a property. Drone pilots gather the images and data necessary to create 3D virtual home tours. They may also take aerial photos or videos for real estate marketing.
Marketing: A company can hire a drone pilot for a marketing campaign. For example, a theme park could hire a drone pilot to take videos for their televised commercials.
Surveying: Drone pilots help surveyors gather information for new projects and maps.
Building and construction: Construction companies may work with a drone pilot to create 3D images of a new project. Drone pilots can also work with building inspectors to gather information about a new building.
Entertainment: Drone pilots can work in the entertainment industry, gathering images or videos for concerts, movies and live sporting events.
Insurance: Some insurance companies use drone pilots to gather information regarding insurance claims. For example, they may have a drone pilot fly overhead to gather data for a risk assessment.
Mining & Excavation: Drone pilots can work in the mining industry to collect mapping information.
Safety: Drones can gather thermal imaging data, which can help public safety professionals, such as firefighters.
Agriculture: Drones are often used for surveying and mapping landscapes and then delivering seed or spraying crops.
• Scientific surveys: From archeology to geology and from conservation to meteorology, scientists are increasingly using drones to see features of the natural environment which are difficult to obtain either traveling on the ground or by plane or satellite.
Military. The military were early users of drone technology.

Daily work
Depending on the sector, this can include:

Capturing aerial photos, film or data,
Planning flight paths and monitoring drone flights,
Meeting with clients to discuss data,
Reviewing regulations and complying with local flight laws,
Delivering parcels or seed or insecticides to a specific location.

How to become a drone pilot

Commercial drone pilots need to earn a certification through the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). Search for RPAS (Remote Pilot Aircraft Systems).

The latest eligibility requirements and guidelines are:

An applicant should not be less than 18 years of age
Applicants must hold current medical assessments
A certified training provider must be identified
Foreign theoretical training will be approved and validated (ASK)
Only successful completion will be accepted
Applicants must pass the RPL practical assessment
Applicants must also pass Radiotelephony Examination
Achieved English Language Proficiency (ELP) level 4 or higher.
All applications must be submitted to the SACAA.

For a list of accredited training providers CLICK HERE

Buying a drone

You do not need to buy a drone until you are sure this is what you want to do. The training provider will have drones for you to practice on and take your exams. But it may be worth while deciding on

the kind of work that is open to drone pilots in your area.
the kind of work you may prefer (although it is only through practice that you will know for sure).

Research what work is available in your area

A website like https://dronedigital.co/ puts employers in touch with pilots and has a good overview of work that is available.

Register your drone

Once you have your remote pilot certificate and have bought a drone, you must register it. You can complete a registration online, and it will be valid for three years.

Register your drone

Once you have your remote pilot certificate and have bought a drone, you must register it. You can complete a registration online, and it will be valid for three years.

Flying Practice

Once you have your certificate, you can begin working as a commercial drone pilot. But many employers look for drone experience when hiring new pilots so practice, practice, practice. Remember to always adhere to the rules and regulations!

Job hunt

To connect with employers looking for drone pilots go to https://dronedigital.co and register.

Stay up-to-date

An important part of being a commercial drone pilot is staying updated on the current regulations and guidelines which may change at any time. Because of this drone pilots must renew their certificates every often by passing a recurrent knowledge test. They must also re-register their drones regularly.

Starting up a business in a struggling economy.

Team Career Planet — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 13:14:07 +0000

The latest release by Statistics South Africa of unemployment rates makes sobering reading – the youth officially account for 59,5% of the total number of the unemployed in our country. Progress in improving access to education and entrepreneurship will undoubtedly lead to economic growth and an all-important increase in job creation, so sorely needed in reducing the extremely high rate of youth unemployment.

The False Bay TVET College Centre for Entrepreneurship & Rapid Incubator (CFERI) specialises in assisting budding youth entrepreneurs to launch and sustain resilient and innovative businesses.

Different businesses need different business plans, capital, market strategies, networks and teams to sustain them, but all businesses have one thing in common – they all start with an opportunity. Once the entrepreneur finds the opportunity, the resources needed to capitalise on the opportunity must be found. Trying to do this on your own isn’t easy, especially while the economy is still ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s where the CFERI comes in.

Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mahlanyana’s story is a perfect illustration of how partnership with the CFERI can unlock resources and grow entrepreneurship.

Nathi had a simple idea. He wanted to make patriotism fashionable. Literally. In 2015, Nathi registered Black Embassy (Pty) Ltd., a clothing and accessories company with a contemporary African theme that honours Africa’s indigenous inheritance. The flagship core product is peak caps.

Because he knew the clothing and apparel industry is quite competitive, Nathi decided to sharpen his entrepreneurial skills and broaden his networks, and signed up for business incubation support at the CFERI. The programme involves a targeted and transformative six-month learning programme and 12 months of coaching.

Unathi says: “With joining the CFERI in 2020, I wasn’t really confident in what I had started, and I had downscaled my dream to just having the brand as a side hustle and nothing greater than that.

“My confidence grew with my favourite part of the programme, when I learnt about the jockey [the entrepreneur]and the horse [the business], which is how equally important it is to take care of both beings. And that’s where I started working on myself more and having great dreams of where I would like to see myself as much as I did the Black Embassy brand.

“Having support and mentorship is primarily important, as I can say that it is almost impossible to make it without this. Honestly speaking, if it was up to me, I would stay at the CFERI forever as it is highly beneficial.”

The CFERI applies a holistic approach to support both the entrepreneur and the business through practical and hands-on learning, personal development, coaching and mentoring, market linkages, financial linkages and technology resources.

In June 2021, we invited the Small Enterprise Financing Agency (SEFA) to present the Township Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP) to our entrepreneurs. TREP aims to create platforms that provide business support infrastructure and an environment where entrepreneurship can thrive and grow.

The TREP programme (open to selected industries) offers access to loans of up to R350 000 through SEFA to cover the cost of equipment (paid directly to equipment suppliers) and working capital of R50 000.

Nathi submitted his application for R295 369.45 (loan portion) and R50 000 (working capital in the same month). On 31 August 2021, Nathi received confirmation from SEFA that Black Embassy had been approved to receive TREP funding.

With the funding secured, Nathi is poised to establish his brand in Africa and internationally, with ambitious plans to open pop-up stores in key cities around the country by 2022 and the first permanent store by 2025, preferably in a high-traffic, prestigious location like the V&A Waterfront or Mandela Square.

Nathi’s last words of advice to his fellow entrepreneurs?

“If you know that you have all your ducks in a row and would be able to produce any required document instantly, then never hesitate to apply for funding or enter any competition. For me, confidence comes with knowing that I am ready and prepared from all aspects, especially with a great support team like the CFERI.”

Remember, you don’t have to be great to start, but you do need to start to be great.

Connect with CFERI and let us help you convert that opportunity into a rewarding business. For more information, contact us at 021 201 1215