Business Connexion launches 2016 graduate opportunity for people with disabilities

Competence and flexibility are two of the most sought after skills by employers. Today, more than ever, businesses need people with a demonstrable ability to adapt to different situations and circumstances - and perhaps, more than any other group, people with disabilities possess precisely these attributes. On a daily basis, people with disabilities must be creative in solving problems, identifying and pursuing opportunities which they may, under most circumstances, be precluded from accessing as a result of their physical challenge or disability.

In the workplace, this resourcefulness can translate into innovative thinking, fresh ideas and varied approaches to confronting business challenges and achieving success. "Companies are continuously looking for new, innovative ways of doing business, but this can only be achieved by doing things differently and embracing diversity. As such, Business Connexion is opening its doors to people with disabilities to drive a new wave of creative thinking within the business and also to ensure all individuals are given a fair and equitable opportunity for employment based on qualification and skill," says Grace Dipale, Group Executive of Human Resources at Business Connexion.

Business Connexion has launched its Annual Graduate Internship Programme, and for 2016 it will be reserving 50% of the positions for candidates with disabilities, to provide them with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience within South Africa's leading ICT service provider. "The Business Connexion Graduate Internship Programme is an eight-month training and development programme aimed at recent graduates with no working experience and a passion for making the impossible possible through technology," Dipale says. "By putting particular emphasis on graduates with disabilities, we will have a bigger impact on current unemployment rates in the country. According to a report released by Statistics South Africa 2014, 7.5% of South Africans are disabled. The same report shows that disability is more prevalent among females compared to males, representing 8.3% females and 6.5% males respectively, and this, in turn, will inform our recruitment and selection processes," Dipale adds.

"Through this internship programme, we will not only be providing graduates with the opportunity to put into practise the skills learnt through their academic exposure, but we will also create awareness around issues regarding disability within our organisation," says Dipale. "Successful candidates will be assigned to one of our business areas, based on qualification and the organisation's needs. This ensures that our graduates receive relevant, practical exposure to a specific department, and in addition, receive specific soft skills training which prepares them for the working environment, as well as equips them as contributing and active participants of the South African economy," she concludes.

On completion of the internship programme, Business Connexion retains a minimum of 70% of the intake, thereby creating permanent job opportunities for the youth.

For further information on Business Connexion's internship programme, and if you are disabled, please apply online at www.bcx.co.za or contact our switchboard on 011 266 5000 for further details.