Employment for 54 graduates

 

Employment for 54 graduates

LETHIWE NGCOBO

FIFTY-FOUR young people are now permanently employed after taking part in the Work Readiness Programme (WRP). This is a collaborative initiative between the City, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, and the Global Business Services sector.

The City, together with stakeholders, celebrated the graduation of participants recently. All the graduates have secured permanent positions at Amalfi, a local Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) contact centre. The WRP equips unemployed youth with vital skills for the BPO sector, preparing them for participation in the formal economy.

Among the 54 graduates honoured at the ceremony was Nqobile Ngcobo, a qualified accountant. After struggling to find work in her field, Ngcobo embraced the opportunity offered by the WRP. She joined Amalfi in April as a sales consultant on a Canadian campaign. Her hard work paid off as she was promoted to Quality Analyst where she ensures products and services meet the high standards set as well as oversees daily operations at the call centre.

Another inspiring story is that of Angelene Johnson who holds a degree in psychology. She started the programme in April as a sales consultant and has since risen to the role of Team Leader. In her new position, she is responsible for guiding, managing and supporting her team to meet their goals.

Nomsa Mkhize, fresh out of high school, also celebrated a proud milestone. She not only graduated from the programme but also secured a permanent position with Amalfi BPO. She began her journey as a helpdesk support agent for a Canadian internet service provider. Her achievement stands as a testament that determination coupled with opportunities made available through the WRP, can lead to success.