Forge Academy & Labs is warming up the school holidays this winter by introducing a two-day coding, robotics and drones workshop for kids.

Located at the Gantry in Fourways, Forge Academy & Labs is the first fully inclusive 4IR lab in South Africa. Their vision is to empower and upskill South Africans through leading ICT education coupled with practical experience and support for young tech entrepreneurs and SMMEs operating in the tech sector.

Adding to their bouquet of digital services, Forge Academy & Labs has launched a winter school holiday workshop to upskill kids between the ages of seven and fifteen.

The course includes two days of educational and interactive activities for young and aspiring technopreneurs. The workshop introduces kids to the world of 4IR and the possibilities the industry holds for the future of product development, entrepreneurship and tackling unemployment.

Day one begins with Marty Coding. Coding and digital literacy are essential skills for building a future career.   

“Coding is the new superpower. It’s like magic on the tips of your fingers where you can bring your ideas to life. With a solid foundation in coding, students can learn to build games, apps and their confidence”, said Craig Clutty, COO of Forge Academy & Labs.

Forge Academy & Labs recognises coding as an essential subject as mathematics, reading and science. However, too few kids can learn to program as it is not available as a main subject in the school curriculum.

“Our mission is to create a fun and engaging platform where youth not only learn to program but also have opportunities to be creative using code, hoping to spark more interest in careers that relies on STEAM subjects and of course what lies beyond 4IR”, said Charl Ochler, Marketing Operations Manager

Day two starts with an introduction to drones with Tello. The course covers an overview of the drone industry, drone technology and principles of flight, flight training and coding with a simulator. There will be a drone racing challenge with prize giving to finish the day on a high. Lastly, students participating in the course will receive a completion certificate and the option to take their Tello Drone home.

Spaces are limited and will work on a first come first serve basis. 

More course details:

Start: 13 July 2022

End: 14 July 2022

Daily time: 9:00am to 14:00pm

Workshop only cost: R2000

Workshop with Tello Drone cost: R4200