Making a difference

MAIN IMAGE: Noleen Feddern, Divisional Executive for Group Human Capital at Broll Property Group; Tendani Manenzhe, programme participant

A learnership programme by Broll Property Group, which focuses specifically on providing business administration skills to people living with disabilities, has improved the prospects of approximately 80 young people over the past four years.

Aligned with United Nations sustainable development goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, the programme was introduced in 2019 and, to date, 20 learners have completed the programme per year. This 12-month programme offers learners workplace experience in fields such as business administration.

Divisional Executive for Group Human Capital, Noleen Feddern says learnerships are an integral part of South Africa’s work landscape. “Learnerships offer young people the opportunity to gain work experience in their chosen fields of work, many while completing formal education in these areas. This combination of theoretical knowledge and experience makes them more employable once they are qualified.”

She says Broll chose to offer a learnership programme for people living with disabilities because they are often overlooked in South Africa’s society and workplaces. “We feel strongly that no one should be left behind and we wanted to offer something that would make a tangible difference in their lives.”

Many of the learners on Broll’s learnership programme hail from previously disadvantaged and rural communities. One learner, Tendani Manenzhe, who has completed the programme, says she was encouraged to apply for the learnership by her sister.

“I was able to gain meaningful workplace experiences in business administration while on the programme. After all, learning the theory is one thing, but practical application helps us to understand what it feels like to operate in an actual workplace. This is invaluable for our growth and improving our chances of getting jobs.”

Looking ahead, Manenzhe hopes to boost her qualifications even further. “Although I will be working, the learnership has helped me to see that it is possible for me to work and study at the same time.

Feddern says another 20 learners are being hosted on site from October 2022.  We hope to continue with the learnership programme for many years to come and make an impact on the lives of many more people living with disabilities. After all, Broll doesn’t just care about the properties in its portfolio, but also about the people who live and work in them.”

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