Plugged into IT goals
WITTY whiz kid Dalmaine Jackson, 20, turned his curiosity into a career.
The Cleary Estate resident, who is an information technology (IT) technician working under the ETC brand, is investigating, improving and seeking out innovative ways to change the way we look at technology.
He received his qualifications as a server and security technician and is studying to become a Microsoft IT professional.
Jackson's interest in IT was sparked accidently.
"When I was much younger, my PC crashed. It was a gift and still new. So to avoid being shouted at by my mother I opened it up and started fiddling," he said.
"I haven't stopped fiddling since and this curiosity has just kept the forward momentum in my career."
The determined youngster said his curiosity and general interest in technology was a necessity for progress.
Technology was constantly changing and you had to keep up to date with the latest trends, programs and innovations, he said.
Many people were under the impression that IT technicians were nerds who spent their free time in front of a computer, which is true, according to Jackson.
"In my spare time I enjoy writing programs and websites. There are a number of processes and tests which must be done before a website can run, so it takes a lot of time."
Jackson believes that Port Elizabeth is a city which is lacking in terms of IT, and he explains his future looks bigger than the metro.
"When it comes to the networks aspect of IT, PE is doing well but in all other spheres we are lacking. I intend on furthering my studies in electronics, as there hasn't been much progress in SA in electronics.
"My long-term goal is to really make a real difference to electronics in this country," Jackson said.