A Westridge youth tripled his salary – and gained valuable work experience – after applying to do a learnership.
Now the man who managed the learnership programme Sachin Adams, 24, was part of at Old Mutual, has started an organisation to help other youngsters get a foot into the workplace.
Basil Johnson told Plainsman he started the non-profit organisation Dreamz, to inspire and motivate South African youth, through interactive motivational talks, workshops, training and coaching.
Reflecting on how his internship had impacted his life, Mr Adams said he matriculated in 2015 and was at home for about three years, before he applied for the learnership.
“I was looking for work at the time but then saw the learnership proposition on the Old Mutual website and read you can earn a stipend of about R3 500,” he said.
He said initially he looked at the stipend as transport money but soon he realised that it was money in his pocket, which he did not have while being unemployed.
Mr Adams’s wealth management learnership included a week of classes every month and on-the-job learning for a year.
He learned to work with clients and management, people who earned a lot more than him and those who had tertiary education qualifications.
“At first I was scared to approach them. I would send my colleague but being around them I grew confident to speak to them and learned that they are just people.
“Now I work with them,” he said.
Last year he became permanently employed as an administrator for the group secretariat.
“A learnership gives the best of both worlds as you learn and earn at the same time,” he said.
Dreamz is offering 25 bursaries for a digital literacy course, to help participants become more digitally savvy; use free learning opportunities that will make them more marketable; and help them brand themselves positively.
It has three modules starting on Wednesday June 23 from noon until 1.30pm and ending July 7.
Applicants must have matriculated last year; should not currently be involved in any study or work; have access to a smartphone, computer or tablet that can link to the internet; live in Mitchell’s Plain; and be interested in portraying positive stories about their community.
To apply send a 90-second video that tells Dreamz who you are; what makes you special; and why you want to attend this course. Submit it to Basil Johnson via email at doctoreamz.info@gmail.com or WhatsApp 071 196 6282.
