In a milestone event that underscored the power of collaboration between corporate South Africa and skills development providers, Standard Bank Insurance, in partnership with Octomate Education, hosted an inspiring Immersion Day.
A Visionary Initiative
The brainchild of Ms Sheila Mistry: Programme Manager for Standard Bank Insurance, the Immersion Day, coincided with Mandela Day. The programme was designed to bridge the gap between structured learning and real-world professional integration.
The 65 unemployed learners are enrolled in the Wealth Management Level 5 Learnership. The event is a testament to the transformative impact of targeted skills programmes in the financial services sector. Welcoming the learners, Ms Emma Tisane, Programme Coordinator at Standard Bank Insurance, encouraged the learners to absorb as much as possible from the day’s programme.
Testimonies from Alumni
The highlight of the day was the presence of Octomate Education alumni, whose personal journeys resonated with the current cohort.
Ms Sindisiwe Masina, an alumna from Assupol Unemployed Learnership 2019, now a top salesperson at Assupol, shared her inspiring journey from an unemployed learner to an industry leader. Her story underscored the lucrative opportunities available in the insurance sector for those who persevere, particularly in sales roles.
Ms Phumla Mtshali, another alumna from the Doves Unemployed Learnership Long Term Insurance Level 4 class of 2017, recounted how the learnership experience facilitated her re-entry into the industry, ultimately leading to her current role as a claims processor at Assupol.
Positioned for purpose
Simphiwe Pfukwa, Director at Octomate Education, served as the event’s MC, sharing her own entrepreneurial journey and urging learners to embrace personal transformation as a catalyst for career advancement.
Mr Abbot Pfukwa, CEO of Octomate Education, delivered a steering address emphasizing the importance of continuous transformation and growth. “This is just the beginning,” Mr. Pfukwa urged the learners to appreciate the opportunity from Standard Bank Insurance. This is the foundation of their greatness.
Motivation from Industry Experts
Mulligan Mathye, a respected Facilitator, cautioned against the myth of self-made individuals, reminding learners that growth and achievement are communal efforts-Ubuntu. He encouraged learners to view challenges as opportunities for growth, not as setbacks, reinforcing the importance of resilience and adaptability in their professional journeys.
Adding further industry perspective, Mr. Sikheto Sambo, a seasoned insurance guru and Director at Marara Insurance Brokers, encouraged learners to cultivate loyalty and a positive attitude. His remarks reinforced the significance of professionalism and acquiring soft skills.
A partnership for progress
The partnership between Octomate Education and Standard Bank Insurance over the years has produced graduates, fit for purpose and equipped to thrive in the dynamic insurance industry. The 65 learners present are a testament to the programmes ongoing commitment to nurturing talent and supporting youth employment in South Africa.
Learners spoke candidly about how the experience had reshaped their thinking, instilling a renewed sense of purpose to secure permanent employment within the financial services industry.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, both Mr. Jabulani Radebe: Training Partner at Standard Bank Insurance and Ms Sheila Mistry, emphasized the importance of passing regulatory examinations (RE5), to enhance learner employability within the industry.
Conclusion
Ms Sheila Mistry asked learners to reflect on their key takeaways, encouraging them to articulate their aspirations as they approach the end of the learnership. The immersion day concluded with a sense of optimism and gratitude. The learners were inspired, equipped with practical advice, industry connections and a renewed belief in their potential.
