Ithala Limited, the Corporation’s banking services entity participated in the Bankseta’s Letsema Learnership, the focus of which is to contribute to the objectives of the Financial Sector Charter by developing the competence of learners from previously disadvantaged backgrounds in KwaZulu-Natal.
Commencing in June 2009, Ithala took in 60 unemployed matriculants with English, and Maths or Accounting and placed them into the branch network. Funded by BANKSETA for their tuition and stipend, the learners were required to attend lectures at Ithala Learning Centres and then spend time gaining practical experience. Ithala’s role included mentoring, coaching and exposing learners to the world of financial systems, legal and compliance rigor and customer centric services.
The learnership project culminates with a recognized qualification – a National Certificate in Business Services Advice through Milpark Business School. A total of 36 learners have recently graduated from the programme with a number of them having taken up permanent employment within Ithala and other financial institutions.
“The learnership has helped me gain valuable work experience and improved my people skills, preparing me well to work with people in the future. I have also gained greater insight into the banking environment, how things work and the relevance in terms of how to manage my own personal finances now and in future”, commented graduate Buyisiwe Maphumulo.
“We are pleased with the success of this project and our aim is to continue with our skills development efforts in order to ensure that we are well equipped to deliver quality service to our clients whilst providing young people with an opportunity to train and gain work experience,” said Mr Vijay Misra, Ithala Limited Chief Executive.