Vodacom has introduced a graduate programme aimed at women, which it hopes will help address gender inequality within the group.
Speaking at the launch event on Friday, Fathima Beckmann, Vodacom group executive for corporate communications, said the programme is a bold initiative to develop females` skills in the ICT sector.
"Women are core to the success of business and to the success of Vodacom as an organisation. This is a pragmatic initiative which aims to promote employment equity in the ICT industry through the development of the skills pool. We believe these women will help Vodacom to keep its number one status in this market," she explained.
The first intake is made up of 10 females who have already completed a BSc or BCom in maths, science, engineering or IT. These candidates have been sourced from Vodacom`s own bursary programme, the deputy president`s database of unemployed graduates, the Umsobomvu Youth Fund and Gradzone.
The three-year graduate sponsorship programme aims to develop the candidates` aptitude on a range of technical skills, engineering `know-how` and business acumen needed to contribute effectively to the design, development and maintenance of Vodacom`s mobile telecommunication systems. The candidates will be awarded certificates of competence upon completion of the programme.
The students will receive a competitive salary, free training and the option of participation in an international study tour at one of Vodafone`s affiliated operators during the third year of programme, based on their performance, says Vodacom. At the end of the first year, candidates are assessed for permanent employment for the remaining two years.
Keynote speaker at the event, Sentech CEO Dr Sebiletso Mokone-Matabane, lauded Vodacom for its initiative.
Addressing the students, she concluded: "We will be on the eve of the 2010 Soccer World Cup when you graduate. This programme must prepare you for an industry dominated by men so that you can contribute to 2010 and beyond."
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