Saab launches new workplace acceleration programme for SA graduates

Ellen Rakobo, Transformation Manager at Saab and Sabelo Myeni, CEO at Sisekolo

The programme will accelerate the development of the graduates by immersing them in the work environment as Saab interns – equipping them for future roles, providing on-the-job work experience, and exposing them to different job functions.

The graduates will grow and develop their abilities during the six-month programme in a dynamic and nurturing environment. They'll also have the opportunity to learn from Saab employees, seasoned mentors, and managers, who will help them apply what they learn during the programme in their respective job functions.

"We've noticed a considerable disconnect between graduates and their work environment expectations. That's why we've introduced this Workplace Acceleration Programme, to allow us to bridge that gap for young South Africans who have just left school and are now entering the workplace,” says Ellen Rakobo, transformation manager at Saab. “Most importantly, the programme helps these graduates connect to a mentor who will help guide their career journey and find their place in the Saab organisation."

Saab’s programme covers basic and critical skills young graduates need to succeed in the workplace, including leadership skills, managing work processes, digital fluency, and coaching on workplace adaptation.

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“Youth unemployment is a devastating reality for so many of our graduates, not just in South Africa, but Africa as a whole. Where does that leave the future of our country and even our continent if most of them continue to be unemployed," says Sabelo Myeni, CEO at Sisekelo. “We hope to address that by partnering with organisations like Saab and giving young graduates in the country an opportunity to overcome these challenges by gaining the skills they need to succeed in the current and future work environment. In addition, we want young graduates to gain the confidence and skills to be curious and disrupt the industry through this initiative.”

Saab’s Graduate Workplace Acceleration Programme will also focus on bridging the widening digital skills gap in the country by equipping the graduates with skills they need to adapt to and work in the era of remote and hybrid working environments. This will help them unlock new growth opportunities and build a sustainable future for themselves.

Saab says this will be the first of many similar initiatives, including a programme to empower young female graduates to find employment and explore careers in male-dominated industries.