Emma Okonji
A leading information technology systems integrator in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, Inlaks, has announced the commencement of season 2 of its automated Teller Machine (ATM) Academy. The ATM academy is a corporate social responsibility(CSR) initiative of Inlaks aimed at training Nigerian youths on ATM support services, technical support services, backend operations, customer service operations, spare parts and software installation.
Explaining the rationale behind the establishment of Inlaks ATM Academy, MD/CEO Africa Operations at Inlaks, Femi Adeoti, said the company set out to address the increasing rate of unemployment and lack of the right skill set among the youths.
“The Inlaks ATM Academy, which is currently in its second season received over 500 applications from candidates within a two- week period in February during the call for entries stage. After the assessment stages, 30 students were shortlisted to go into the three months’ academy that will include two months practical field experience,†Adeoti said.
The Director, Infrastructure Business Unit, Inlaks, Mr. Tope Dare, said the company decided to train people who were unemployed to fill the growing need to service and maintain their ATM install base which has grown to over 5000 machines across Nigeria. The total ATM installed base is expected to hit 6,000 before the end of 2018 and Inlaks is building and developing its workforce to meet its present and anticipated talent need.
The academy is open to Ordinary National Diploma (OND) holders of engineering and physics from recognised higher institutions of learning in Nigeria. The fundamental of ATM technology will be treated during the classroom training session while field knowledge will be acquired during the real life practical session on field with customers. The successful trainees from the academy will be guaranteed job opportunities in various units in the company at the end of the Academy.
