Staff advance through learnership programme
- Wits University
It was a joyous occasion as 83 staff members graduated from the Learnership in Business Administration aimed at supporting staff yet to complete matric.
The event on 5 September 2024 was the culmination of a learning journey for 40 candidates at NQF level 4, and 43 candidates at NQF level 3. Each level typically takes 12 months to complete. This is part of a rolling pipeline of development initiated by the Human Resources Development Unit (HRDU) in 2018 as a means of developing and uplifting staff members who did not have the opportunity to complete their formal schooling up to Grade 12 (matric).
The event was characterised by song, colour, laughter, and celebration, and was memorable for all. There is nothing like a graduation to inspire further learning!
Top Level 4 performer Elizabeth Labase is elated at her achievement. For her, the opportunity to improve her education is a realisation of a childhood dream. Like many of her peers from under-resourced backgrounds, she exited school with Grade 10 to work. Soon after, marriage and children took over her life. Labase, a cleaner at John Moffat who joined Wits in 2018, prides herself that she is a mother of a nurse, an IT professional and will soon add a medical doctor to the list.
A place of growth
To date, approximately 200 staff members from Services, Protection Services and PIMD have moved through NQF levels 2-4 and have now achieved the NQF level 4 exit point.
From this point onwards, the staff members will have the opportunity to embark on vocational certificates at NQF level 5 or will have the opportunity to ‘bridge’ to the full National Senior Certificate for eventual access into the higher education system.
“The details of this transition are being finalised for 2025 and roadshows are planned to communicate options to staff. This project aligns to a transformative vision in which learning pathways not only support personal and professional growth, but restore dignity, confidence, and a sense of belonging,” says Chantell Murray, Senior Director: HRDU.
