For students\u00a0wanting to\u00a0enter the workforce,\u00a0gaining\u00a0access to real-world\u00a0tools\u00a0and\u00a0applying\u00a0learning opportunities can make the difference between theory and readiness.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Hexagon is committed to supporting this transition. Through targeted partnerships and socio-economic development (SED) initiatives, the company is helping equip the next generation of professionals with the digital skills, experience, and confidence\u00a0required\u00a0to succeed.<\/span><\/p>\n In South Africa, Hexagon\u00a0and Leica Geosystem\u2019s collaboration\u00a0with Impact Drivers forms part of the country\u2019s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE)\u00a0programme. SED initiatives under B-BBEE focus on enabling meaningful participation in the economy, particularly through education, health, and skills development.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This partnership reflects a shared\u00a0objective: to create sustainable pathways into the digital economy for young people, particularly those who were previously unemployed or out of formal education.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A key milestone in this journey was celebrated last week at\u00a0Lambano\u00a0Academy in Gauteng, where learners graduated from the The ceremony marked not only the completion of a coding and robotics curriculum, but also a significant step forward for students now equipped with practical, future-focused digital skills.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The support from\u00a0Hexagon\u00a0and Leica Geosystems\u00a0empowered\u00a0Impact\u00a0Drivers\u2019\u00a0to\u00a0establish\u00a0and expand the\u00a0Code & Connect initiative. What began as a single pilot site has evolved into a multi-location\u00a0programme.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In December 2024, Hexagon contributed essential resources to launch the first coding and robotics\u00a0centre\u00a0in\u00a0Muldersdrift, in partnership with\u00a0Umnotho\u00a0for Empowerment.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHexagon\u2019s initial support truly gave life to an idea we had been carrying for some time,\u201d said\u00a0Sibulele\u00a0Sibaca\u00a0Nomnganga, Executive Director of Impact Drivers.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt allowed us to move from intention to implementation by equipping our first coding\u00a0centre\u00a0with the tools, resources, and structure needed to operate effectively.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This\u00a0initial\u00a0investment included:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Beyond the physical resources, the partnership also helped\u00a0establish\u00a0credibility and trust within the community.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cTheir support gave us confidence as an\u00a0organisation, especially when engaging with learners, parents, and the broader community,\u201d\u00a0Nomnganga\u00a0added. \u201cIt created a strong foundation from which we could begin to build something meaningful and lasting.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The response to the first coding\u00a0centre\u00a0was immediate. Strong learner uptake highlighted both the demand for digital skills and the importance of making these opportunities accessible.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe success of the first coding\u00a0centre\u00a0made it very clear that the demand for digital skills is not only high, but urgent,\u201d said\u00a0Nomnganga. \u201cYoung people are eager to learn, and when given access, they show incredible commitment and potential.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Building on this success, Hexagon provided\u00a0additional\u00a0support to expand the\u00a0programme. In 2025, a second site was\u00a0established\u00a0at\u00a0Lambano\u00a0Academy in Roodepoort, where structured coding, robotics, and digital literacy\u00a0programmes\u00a0are now delivered across three grades.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Young learners participate in a coding and robotics demonstration.<\/p><\/div>\n The initiative has since extended beyond Gauteng. In Cape Town, Impact Drivers partnered with Signa Academy and\u00a0<\/span>Ubomi<\/span>\u00a0to reach a new cohort of learners, including individuals on the disability spectrum<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>demonstrating<\/span>\u00a0the scalability and inclusivity of the model.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While the UNISA-accredited\u00a0programme\u00a0itself is offered at no cost, participation requires more than enrolment. Learners need access to devices, connectivity, robotics equipment, and consistent guidance.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Hexagon\u2019s contribution addressed these challenges directly by enabling:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This combination of technology and human support has proven critical to learner success.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cTechnology on its own is not enough,\u201d\u00a0Nomnganga\u00a0explained. \u201cWhile access to devices and software opens the door, mentorship is what helps learners walk through it with confidence.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cMentorship helps them stay motivated, overcome challenges, and see a future for themselves in spaces they may not have previously imagined.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n At last week\u2019s graduation ceremony, 15 learners were\u00a0<\/span>recognised<\/span>\u00a0for completing the I-SET Robotics M1\u00a0<\/span>programme<\/span>. Their achievement reflects months of dedicated learning, practical application, and personal growth.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Proud graduates from the program pose for a group photo.<\/p><\/div>\n Beyond certification, one of the most powerful outcomes has been the progression of learners into leadership roles. Several participants from the original\u00a0Muldersdrift\u00a0site have transitioned into coaching positions, supporting\u00a0programme\u00a0delivery at\u00a0Lambano\u00a0Academy.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cSeeing learners transition into coaching roles is one of the most rewarding outcomes of the\u00a0programme,\u201d said\u00a0Nomnganga. \u201cIt speaks directly to sustainability and long-term impact.\u00a0It means that the\u00a0programme\u00a0is not only equipping young people with\u00a0skills, but\u00a0also empowering them to take ownership and give back.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A student-turned-coach with his students.<\/p><\/div>\n This model of skills transfer creates a multiplier effect, building local capacity while reinforcing a sustainable pipeline of digitally skilled talent.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Hexagon\u2019s involvement extends beyond equipment provision. By supporting initiatives that build digital capability at a grassroots level, the company is contributing to a broader effort to prepare individuals for technology-enabled careers across industries.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Through partnerships with educational institutions, training\u00a0organisations, and community\u00a0programmes, Hexagon works to ensure future professionals are equipped not only with advanced tools, but with\u00a0the practical\u00a0skills and confidence to apply them effectively.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The success of the Impact Drivers partnership\u00a0demonstrates\u00a0what can be achieved through targeted, collaborative efforts. From a single pilot site to multiple learning hubs across South Africa, the\u00a0programme\u00a0has already delivered measurable impact.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n More importantly, it has created opportunities\u00a0for learners to gain relevant digital skills, for communities to access education, and for\u00a0organisations\u00a0to\u00a0benefit\u00a0from a more prepared and capable workforce.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As digital transformation continues to shape industries worldwide, initiatives like this will remain essential. They not only address current\u00a0skills gaps, but\u00a0also lay the foundation for a more inclusive and sustainable future.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Neville Judd As\u00a0mining and other\u00a0industries continue\u00a0their digital transformation, the need for practical, technology-driven skills is becoming increasingly urgent. From automation to data-driven decision-making, today\u2019s workplaces demand individuals who are\u00a0confident\u00a0navigating digital environments and applying technology in meaningful ways.\u00a0 For students\u00a0wanting to\u00a0enter the workforce,\u00a0gaining\u00a0access to real-world\u00a0tools\u00a0and\u00a0applying\u00a0learning opportunities can make the difference between theory and readiness.\u00a0 Hexagon<\/p>\nSupporting skills development through SED in South Africa<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
\nI-SET Robotics M1\u00a0programme, accredited through the University of South Africa (UNISA).\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nBuilding digital learning hubs from the ground up<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Responding to growing demand for digital skills<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
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Enabling participation through access and mentorship<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Celebrating achievement and progression<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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A shared commitment to future talent<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Looking ahead<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n