Business
Tackling South Africa’s IT Skills Gap with SIaaS
South Africa’s IT skills shortage has pushed businesses to compete for a limited pool of experienced developers or outsource their development needs offshore. Now, a groundbreaking model—Skills-Integration-as-a-Service (SIaaS)—is reshaping how companies onboard junior talent without compromising productivity.
Jessica Hawkey, Managing Director of redAcademy, a leading experiential learning hub, highlights that the biggest hurdle in addressing the skills gap is the perception that integrating junior developers drains company resources. A recent survey by redAcademy, which engaged prominent brands in retail and financial services, confirmed that onboarding entry-level developers remains a primary concern.
“Businesses are concerned about the time and effort required to integrate graduates into their workforce. This often results in companies hiring seasoned developers at a higher cost, exacerbating the talent crunch,” says Hawkey.
What is SIaaS?
To address these challenges, redAcademy introduced Skills-Integration-as-a-Service (SIaaS), a managed service designed to integrate skilled junior developers into businesses seamlessly.
“SIaaS eliminates the need for companies to invest heavily in onboarding. Through our managed service, redAcademy oversees every step of the process, from customised training to real-world project integration,” explains Hawkey.
The approach includes:
- Customised year-long training: Developers are immersed in the client’s live working environment.
- Six months of real-world software delivery: Trainees work directly on live projects, gaining hands-on experience.
- Managed oversight: Senior redAcademy professionals handle integration, allowing companies to focus on customer value.
Benefits for Businesses
- Reduced Onboarding Costs: Businesses no longer need to allocate senior developers to train junior staff, maintaining productivity.
- Immediate Value: Junior developers begin contributing from day one, fully aligned with the company’s culture and projects.
- Sustainable Talent Growth: Companies can nurture local talent, reducing dependency on costly outsourcing.
“Instead of losing productivity or hiring expensive mid-level developers, businesses gain skilled, integrated junior developers ready to deliver,” adds Hawkey.
Impact on the Local Economy
The SIaaS model could transform South Africa’s IT landscape. By fostering local talent, businesses can curb reliance on outsourcing and retain more resources within the country.
“Circulating the same mid-level talent increases competition, raises costs, and worsens the skills gap. SIaaS offers a sustainable solution,” says Hawkey.
Moreover, SIaaS is an accredited programme, allowing companies to leverage their skills development budgets to fund integration at no additional cost.
A Collaborative Approach
Government and private stakeholders are already invested in addressing the skills gap. Hawkey believes SIaaS complements these efforts by providing an actionable, business-friendly solution:
“By incorporating SIaaS into their strategy, companies can meet their future IT talent needs while contributing to South Africa’s economy and employment.”
Securing South Africa’s IT Future
As the demand for IT talent continues to grow, SIaaS offers a pathway to sustainable skills development. It’s not just about filling roles—it’s about creating opportunities, reducing unemployment, and securing the future of South Africa’s IT sector.
