By Remy Raitt

Gavin Weale, MD of Livity Africa commended the 18 to 25-year-olds on their hard work and dedication over the past three months. “We have just ended the first year of the programme,” he said, “It was experimental to begin with, as a programme for young people passionate about digital, and we have seen that it really makes them useful to the industry as ready to roll professionals.

Previously exclusively available to Gauteng based students, the programme has now been rolled out in Cape Town. Digify 5.0 will also make the programme available to five extra students per course, making the new classes 20 strong.

All 15 Digify 4.0 graduates have been offered positions at various agencies. Some have accepted jobs at places like BBDO, Quirk, Blue Magnet and Aqua.

The course, at no cost to the students, sees them immersed in all things digital. Gaining a wide range of skills; from digital campaigns and social media to content creation, the students learn the nitty gritty through modules on elements like Google Ad Words and Analytics and SEO.

This equips the students with the skills to enter the job market at entry level or internships. Weale commented that this cohort made Digify history, turning down unsatisfactory offers, which he says demonstrates their belief in themselves and their newly developed skill sets.

Luke Mckend, the country director of Google South Africa said his company has witnessed first-hand the impact the programme has had on digital marketing; “the industry now prefer Digify students,” he said.

Daniella Glazer of BBDO, who also spoke at the graduation, said they were thoroughly impressed with all the graduates when they came into the agency. “The students simulated a pitch to BBDDO for a year-long campaign, they were given three days to do it and we were blown away by their insights and campaign ideas.” She said their vast knowledge of social media was also impressive. “There is a misconception that all young people understand social media, they don’t, but these students really do,” she said.

The graduating students recalled highlights from the course and praised each other on the hard work and unique understandings they each offered.

Programme director of Digify, Sherry Bitting, then shared some information on Digify’s latest endeavour; Digify Bytes. The two-day intense workshops, which will be orchestrated by trained Digify graduates who will equip attendees with solid digital skills. The free workshops aim to break down digital marketing and give participants a better understand of the platforms and tools available to them.

“Digify stands for excellence,” said Bitting, “and Digify graduates will forever be representative of that.”

Applications for Digify 5.0 are still open in Cape Town. Those interested in bringing Digify Bytes to their school or institution can contact Gugu Kheswa at [email protected].

For more information, visit www.livityafrica.com and livemag.co.za. Alternatively connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.