USER STORY
GIS diploma builds future professionals
30 September 2018
Enter the exciting world of geospatial technology and learn how to leverage the Science of Where to improve people’s lives, manage resources, provide solutions and protect the environment. Catering for all levels of users, the Diploma in Geoinformation Science and Technology (GISc&T) is southern Africa’s only geospatial diploma. Offered by Esri South Africa College in Midrand, the diploma is an entry level qualification in GIS offering a mixture of online and face-to-face modules.
Accredited by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) as NQF Level 6 with 252 credits, the diploma is recognised by the South African Geomatics Council (SAGC), the statutory body for the geospatial and surveying professions.
The diploma comprises 37 training modules which have been designed to build capacity in geography and science in Southern Africa. Students registered for the diploma are supported throughout their career development path and recognition of prior learning is offered.
Two of the students currently working their way through the diploma include Naveshni Naidoo and Chesray Jansen. Naveshni wanted to work and study and has enjoyed being able to work at her own pace. She is in the process of completing her last three modules, and aims to finish by December.
“I would recommend this diploma to anyone looking to improve their GIS skills,” she says. “It is suitable for anyone; a student starting their GIS career or a busy GIS professional who is already established and would like to update their skills and knowledge. I think the best thing about this diploma is that it appeals to all ages and allows for time flexibility, enabling you to continue a successful career and attend to family responsibilities.”
Chesray wanted to get into a career involving geography and the geospatial diploma provided him with the opportunity to obtain a recognised GIS qualification. He is particularly enjoying the practical sessions. “They are really helpful,” he says. “They give me the opportunity to practise and also allow me to learn new things about the GIS software.” Chesray is aiming to complete the diploma by year-end.
Recognising the need to build geospatial capacity for local government, the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) launched a programme last year to provide bursaries and mentoring to geomatics candidates needing to study in order to fulfil the registration requirements of the SAGC. Twenty LGSETA candidates from various local government municipalities and departments are currently registered for the Diploma in GISc&T. Not all of these candidates will complete the whole diploma as some of them only require a few modules, usually Applied Maths, Basic Statistics and Physical Science, to fulfill the SAGC’s registration requirements.
Esri South Africa College offers a wide range of academic modules in geo-information science and technology that have been selected and designed to address the skills gap experienced by the southern African geo-information industry. The college is committed to industry aligned education in GIS and provides exposure to cutting edge geospatial technology.
For more information email [email protected]