The South Africa Learnership Programme provides an entry-level platform to youngsters seeking exposure to the corporate world, helping them gain essential workplace experience and skills. This programme instills a market-driven, operationally-focused, and customer-centric mindset, laying a solid foundation for their career in the supply chain industry.
Let’s explore the programme through the eyes of our learners and the leadership guiding them.
Godwin Mathipa – YES Learner, Finance Senator Accounting
Godwin’s journey began when he was undergoing a period of career transition. Being selected for the Learnership programme was perfect timing. Perfect timing because, it allowed him the opportunity to expand his skills and gain practical experience.
Through it, he was exposed to real world challenges and acquired skills that he could directly apply to his new role. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on work; he mastered advanced Excel functions, learnt to handle shipments and invoices, and ensured accuracy in financial processes.
Godwin's growth went beyond technical skills. "Working with diverse teams has highlighted the importance of collaboration and collective effort in achieving goals. The camaraderie and support from my colleagues at Maersk have been invaluable and have enriched my experience.” he recounts, reflecting on his immersive journey into the our culture, where professional growth, collaboration, and teamwork take centre stage.
Kyla Cloete – Procurement Analyst
Kyla’s journey with the Maersk Learnership programme began when she graduated from high school in 2019. As a young woman embarking on her career, the programme gave her an opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of shipping and logistics. She built her foundation on Supply chain management, operational logistics, customer service excellence and data analysis skills. . According to Kyla, the programme was a contrast from traditional academic courses. “The direct exposure to Maersk’s operations and the opportunity to work on impactful projects have given me a practical understanding of the industry that far exceeds what a classroom setting alone could provide.” she reflects.
Kyla was mentored by two strong women leaders who provided her with continuous guidance, feedback, and support. She credits them for helping her set and achieve her goals, take on challenging projects, and gain insights into career progression at Maersk.
Apart from being a learner, Kyla has also completed the Strategies for Success programme, maximising her learning experience at Maersk. Her advice to aspiring learners: "Embrace every opportunity with an open mind and eagerness to learn. Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek guidance from mentors. Engaging fully with the programme will maximize your learning and development."
Afrika Huwa – Ocean Fulfilment Lead
For Afrika, the Learnership programme has been about enhancing soft skills and working within deadlines. He credits the programme for enhancing his ability to push forward under pressure with the help of his team and mentors.
"I’d say the most critical skill I have picked up is communication. Soft skills are often overlooked by most; however, this experience has taught me that it really is about teamwork," he shares.
He speaks about the steep learning curve of working with a global logistics leader. He was able to see a significant boost in confidence, take on and own projects that are more challenging and work as one team to achieve organisational goals.
Afrika’s advise to future learners: "Learn to ask for help and be willing to listen. Asking for help can turn a 2 hour task into a 10 min exercise."
Likhona Blanket – Business Controller
Likhona was a Financial Accounting student and tutor before she embarked on her learnership journey with Maersk. This was her first exposure to a corporate working environment and it helped build her foundation and expand on analytical skills and communication skills.
“During my time in the learnership I have learnt that everyone is treated equally, you are given an opportunity to voice out your opinions and ideas without fear. Everyone is treated with respect and care. There is always someone that is ready to answer all the questions that you might have.” she reflects.
Likhona’s hard work and dedication was recognised during the programme leading to her securing a permanent position in the Africa region.
She credits her mentors and leaders in helping her recognise her capabilities through words of encouragement and appreciation.
Ndapandula Kalimashe – Talent Acquisition Coordination Associate
Ndapandula’s learnership programme experience has been a transformative one. She feels that it pushed her to challenge herself and provided her a space to hone her existing skills.
The standout moment for her during the programme was when she responsible for a launch event that was executed well. She was then recognised for her hard work and this motivated her to aim even higher.
“Working at Maersk is like a breath of fresh air. It is a global, paperless company with a vibrant, diverse workforce and a fast-paced work environment. This dynamic setting was exhilarating and kept me constantly engaged and inspired.” Ndapandula shares.
She advises future learners to give the programme their level best. “You have nothing to lose and everything to gain – new skills, invaluable experiences, and professional relationships that will guide serve you well throughout your career.”
Ra-id Ganief – Customer Experience Consultant
For Ra-id Ganief, the Learnership programme was life changing. After withdrawing from his university course, his year long hunt for a career in corporate ended when he was selected for the Learnership programme. Not satisfied with mediocrity, he was determined to make this opportunity count. “This journey so far has been priceless. I have not only gained knowledge and skills which I can utilize in my work, but I’ve also found core values which are now instilled in me.” he reflects.
Intrigued by the shipping & logistics world with no prior experience, Ra-id tried to soak up the most amount of information that he could retain during the tenure of the programme. He is grateful to his manager for his progress and credits him for having a positive impact on his professional and personal development. “The programme teaches valuable lessons, which universities cannot. The experience is truly priceless and so valuable.”
Ra-id's advice to future learners? "Be a sponge, absorb everything. Keep your head down and work hard, ask for more, put your hand up and put yourself in uncomfortable positions to further your knowledge and skills”
A word from our mentors:
Here’s what our mentors had to say about the learnership.
Remy Holt
As the 24/7 Manager for Service Fulfilment, Remy encourages people to join the learnership if they wish to equip themselves with the required skill set to grow in the supply chain industry. He says that the focus of the programme is initially more on soft skills as its integral to successfully carrying out daily tasks at Maersk. He encourages every learner to integrate themselves into the team and take an active part in daily operations.
He does his best to provide the learners a safe environment to voice their opinions and concerns. That’s crucial for their development, he feels.
Natasha Reddy
Natasha Reddy believes that the learnership programme provides learners with a solid foundation in the logistics space. She also feels that it supports our long-term business strategy in South Africa by creating a pipeline of future consultants and leadersfor Maersk.
Natasha's advice to learners: "Always stay curious and open-minded, embrace challenges, develop a strong work ethic, build strong relationships, stay adaptable, communicate effectively, seek feedback, focus on continuous learning, be proactive, and maintain a positive attitude."
About the South Africa learnership
Do the above stories of our people inspire you to join our global network that power the world’s trade? We’re hiring. Head over to our careers section and apply to the roles there.
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