- The challenge calls on the youth to participate in solving a range of problems in a number of categories including cybersecurity and renewable energy.
- The challenge takes place in September in Johannesburg.
- Those interested have until 30th June to submit an entry.
The SA BRICS Business Council is hoping to address a range of problems faced by South Africa, Brazil, Russia, India, and China through a skills challenge happening later this year.
The BRICS Future Skills Challenge calls on the youth to help solve problems related to energy, water, and health. There are a number of categories for participants to tackle. The SA BRICS Business Council says that the challenge is ideal for students at universities and TVET colleges, but professionals between the ages of 16 and 35 should also consider participating.
The details regarding whether a category is suited for teams or individuals as well as the technical documents in each category follow below.
| # | Skill Area | Technical Docs | Age | Team size |
| 1 | Aircraft Maintenance | Project Description Link | 16-35 | Individual |
| 2 | Agri IOT | Project Description Link | 16-35 | 2 competitors |
| 3 | Building Information Modeling | Project Description Link | 16-35 | 2-3 competitors |
| 4 | Cyber Security | Project Description Link | 16-35 | 2 competitors |
| 5 | Data Science | Project Description Link | 16-35 | Individual |
| 6 | Digital Twin | Project Description Link | 16-35 | 2 competitors |
| 7 | Drones | Project Description Link | 16-35 | 2 competitors |
| 8 | Internet Marketing | Project Description Link | 16-35 | Individual |
| 9 | Manufacturing Robotics | Project Description Link | 16-35 | Individual |
| 10 | Mobile app development | Project Description Link | 16-35 | Individual |
| 11 | Renewable Energy | Project Description Link | 16-35 | Individual |
| 12 | Robotic Process Automation | Project Description Link | 16-35 | Individual |
“The benefits of participating in the BRICS Future Skills Challenge extend beyond recognition as one of SA’s top tech minds. If you are selected, you will receive training and exposure to real-world case studies. You’ll receive a certificate, international experience to add to your CV and an opportunity to benchmark your skills at a global level. Those who perform well in the competition will be introduced to employers and will be recognised as one of the top South Africans in their field,” Joanne Brink, project lead at BRICS Future Skills said in a press release.
Entries are open now and they close on 30th June. From there competitors will be given training on Saturdays in August ahead of the finale event that takes place from 12th – 15th September in Johannesburg. The SA BRICS Business Council hopes to bring 120 South Africans to the event.
The four day finale will run as follows:
- Day One: The BRICS Future Skills Challenge will officially commence with an opening ceremony and the first challenges of the competition,
- Day Two: The skills challenges will continue requiring ongoing efforts and problem-solving from the competitors,
- Day Three: The competitors will participate in the Dragon’s Den component of the challenges – where the top three competitors from each BRICS nation will present their solutions to the judges,
- Day Four: The event will be concluded with a closing ceremony and the handing out of prizes to the top achievers. Certificates will also be handed out to all competitors who participated in the BRICS Future Skills Challenge 2023.
Be sure to head to this form to enter to participate in the BRICS Skills Challenge 2023 before 30th June.
[Image – Peter Dargatz from Pixabay]
