Over the course of the past six years, BPeSA Western Cape has been responsible for creating hundreds of jobs in the call centre industry through its Learnership Programme.
At present there are nine call centre companies who form part of the programme; Direct Axis, Woolworths Financial Services, ADT, G326, MBD, Nimble, Sell Direct, Quest and Kelly. Each of these companies works closely with BPeSA Western Cape to provide job opportunities to the students once they have completed the learnership.
“Since its inception in 2004, we have constantly tweaked its structure to ensure that once students complete the programme, they have the necessary skills needed to succeed in their chosen company,” says Talent Development Project Manager BPeSA Western Cape Noha Essop.
The learnership runs over a 12 month period and starts with the host companies selecting learners that have been handpicked by BPeSA Western Cape. Once selected, the learners are required to undergo 15 – 20 days of classroom training as well as a further 3 days of computer training.
“After the learners have gone through the initial training phase, they then join their host companies, who build on the training they have already received,” says Essop.
General skills that learners are taught during their time with the host companies include; training on the relevant company systems, company products and company procedures.
“This is a great initiative to give new entrants access into the call centre industry and although the learnership takes careful managing, we believe that building an appropriate bridging process has helped with our success for the learnerships,” says Natalie Warner Training Manager at Direct Axis.
Warner adds that the success of the programme can be seen by the fact that 96% of the learners who join Direct Axis choose to stay on afterwards. There have been a number of success stories with some learners progressing to team leader positions.”
Andre Joseph HR manager of Woolworths Financial Services echoes Warner’s sentiments, “It is a brilliant opportunity to provide skills and experience to unemployed youth and in the process contribute to community upliftment. It also helps develop a pipeline of talent for the company and the industry as a whole. With the shortage of skills out there, this definitely closes the gap.”
“The BPeSA WC learnership provides a good platform for learners, making their transition into our company smooth. I would therefore recommend that more businesses follow suit, and become host companies,” adds Warner.
“We are committed to our learners and will continue to do all in our power to ensure they have the skills needed to succeed in the call centre environment,” says Essop.
To find out more contact Nikki Applegren at registrar@bpesawesterncape.co.za or 021 630 1500.
