3 minute read
Heineken South Africa upskilling SA’s youth
from Spotong Issue 31
by 3S Media
HEINEKEN SOUTH AFRICA INVESTS IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF
INDUSTRY TALENT
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Jesline Tsoku
HEINEKEN South Africa is continuing to train and upskill a second cohort of packaging learners through its valuable Sedibeng Packaging Learnership Programme. Through this SETA-accredited learnership, the students attain an NQF Level 3 qualification upon graduation from the programme. In 2018, 28 graduates received the qualification, and of those who were previously unemployed, nine graduates received placements at HEINEKEN. This year, a further 20 candidates enrolled for the learnership. In 2018, several existing HEINEKEN employees were selected for the programme, along with learners enrolled at the Vaal University of Technology, and other candidates sourced from the local community of Pilie’s farm. As part of ensuring transformation in what is understood to be a maledominated industry, several women have been selected for the learnership. “It is important that the programme reflects the diverse capabilities of local community members as well as women in beer’s contribution in the industry,” says Thandie Letshabo, manager: Supply Chain Academy, HEINEKEN South Africa. The 2019 learners have followed in the footsteps of the previous graduates, and have been taken through a series of assessments to gauge their capabilities and technical aptitude, before the final selection was made.
“Through the Packaging Learnership, these learners will obtain the skills that will make them employable across various brewery roles after their successful completion of the training,” says Letshabo. Letshabo adds that one of the key benefits of an internal learnership programme is that – from the outset – the learners get acquainted with our internal systems and processes – essentially learning and living “the HEINEKEN way of doing things”.
This programme was launched with the aim of strengthening the skillset of the company’s talent, while also helping to reduce unemployment within the region. The beer and cider packaging take place at HEINEKEN’s state-of-the-art brewery in Sedibeng, Midvaal, where the company brews a large portfolio of premium and mainstream brands, including Heineken®, Windhoek, Miller Genuine Draft, Amstel and Strongbow cider.
Thabile Sebiloane
Letshabo concludes, “Exposing the learners to both theoretical and practical on-the-job training early on translates to agile future employees who are skilled, and prepared for most challenges in their chosen career paths.”
Creating capable employees
HEINEKEN South Africa’s Supply Chain Academy is fully accredited with FoodBev SETA as a training and assessment provider. The main aim of the academy is to build an organisation with fully capable employees to perform their current jobs and empower them with future skills that can allow them to grow in the business. We develop staff whose skills are relevant to the South African working environment.
Other Programmes Offered by HEINEKEN SA SUPPLY CHAIN ACADEMY:
• In-service Trainees • Operator Development Programme • Brewing Diploma IBD • Generic Management • Business Administration • Certified Supply Chain Professional • Certified in Production and Inventory
Management • Basic Supply Chain Management
About HEINEKEN South Africa:
HEINEKEN South Africa is a key player in the beer and cider industry in the country, with an impressive portfolio of brands, including Heineken®, Desperados, Sol, Windhoek, Miller Genuine Draft, Amstel, Strongbow, Soweto Gold, and Tafel. HEINEKEN South Africa is a joint-venture between HEINEKEN N.V. and Namibia Breweries.
Visit www.heinekensouthafrica.co.za
