Applications are now open for the second intake of the Google and IAB SA-backed three-month digital bootcamp, Digify, run by youth agency Livity Africa for 18 to 25 year olds. Commencing in Johannesburg in September 2014, fifteen young people will have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the first round of Digify graduates who this week have started new careers in the country’s top digital agencies and organisations including Native VML, Retroviral, FoxP2, Casson Media, Aqua Agency, iClinic, EdCon and African Doctors.

“South Africa needs to fill at least a quarter of the current workforce with digital professionals, and Digify aims to help address this shortage by creating a consistent pipeline of capable and employable young talent into brands and agencies,” says Livity Africa Managing Director Gavin Weale. “We’ve been pioneering vocational internships focused on sourcing young talent for 14 years in the UK and SA, but Digify is a unique new strand that is responding directly to a clear and present industry need for digital talent from diverse backgrounds.”

“Led by Google and industry experts, Digify participants receive intensive training in digital campaigns, social media and content creation, as well as key Google modules including Search, AdWords, YouTube and Analytics. They also have the opportunity to hear from industry leaders as well as working directly with brands and agencies on live briefs.” “We aim to place all graduates in paid entry level jobs or internships in the digital industry and we’re proud to say that all of our first Digify graduates were offered paid job or internship opportunities,” says Gavin. Google provides funding, training and mentorship for the Digify programme as part of a local initiative to build digital talent in South Africa. “We need to ensure we create next generation talent in order to harness the opportunities the fast-growing digital sector brings. Digify is a unique opportunity for 18 to 25 year olds with raw talent, potential and determination, and we look forward to seeing another group of successful graduates begin their careers in the digital industry by the end of 2014,” says Google South Africa Country Marketing Manager Elizma Nolte.

Digital agency Native VML offered a group of the first Digify graduates paid internships at their agency. “With its direct links to industry, Digify is a crucial vocational training programme which will help bridge the skills gaps faced by young people transitioning from university to their first career in digital. We were so impressed with the raw talent and diverse skills set of the first group of Digify graduates, which is why we have five Digify graduates beginning their careers with us this week,” says Native VML Head of Human Resources Vanessa Gibb.

IAB SA Chairman Jarred Cinman comments: “Collectively the South African digital industry has supported this programme as we all face a similar dilemma – a serious lack of diverse young digital talent. The Digify programme is an exciting prospect for the industry and I recommend brands and agencies looking for young talent to look to place Digify graduates in your team” says Jarred.