IIG Academic Programme 2019

At GIFS, we are always looking for new ways to support, mould and encourage young minds. We believe that the future of the financial services industry lies in the hands of agile, globally-connected role-players who are armed with the relevant knowledge, skills and foresight. These are individuals who have a passion for working within the sector and who are not afraid of setting trends and blazing trails.\

However, these future game-changers need to be identified and mentored now for the industry to reap the benefits later. This is why GIFS has chosen to partner with the Insurance Institute of Gauteng (IIG) for the IIG Academic Programme 2019, a first-of-its-kind education initiative aimed at nurturing young talent from disadvantaged backgrounds.

On 18 February 2019, GIFS representatives joined the IIG team in Johannesburg for a two-day selection process. A total of 50 school-leavers, pre-selected based on their enthusiasm for entering the financial services industry, were put through their paces.

The judges Keshrie Pillay, Calvin Gideon, Notuthuko Mhlungu, Sarah Moses, Kershen Pillay and Kelebogile Mokoka were impressed by the calibre of the learners but were specifically on the lookout for individuals who displayed passion, drive, ambition, sincerity and willingness. Successful candidates also had to have a zest for learning, display good self-management skills, have the ability to communicate effectively and was a keen team player. At the end of Day 1, they had identified 24 learners for the next phase.

Round 2 continued the next day on 19 February 2019, when the learners were assessed on teamwork when they presented in groups. It was a challenging day: tensions ran high, the mood was electric, and the presentations were outstanding.

When the day ended, 15 learners were handpicked for the 12-month IIG Academic Programme at Wits University and their first day on campus was on 25 February 2019. Over the next 12 months, they will be put through their paces, guided by specialists within the industry, learning about the inner workings of the sector, personal mastery, interview skills and other crucial development components.

This first group of students are, in a way, ambassadors for the industry as it is through them that we will help generate awareness that the South African insurance and financial services industry is a noteworthy and rewarding sector to work in and should be a career of choice for young South African school-leavers.

We wish all 15 students the best for the next year and have no doubt that, under the mentorship of IIG and GIFS, they will serve the financial services industry with distinction once they graduate.

Visit our Facebook page for regular updates as we track the successes of the IIG Programme class of 2019!

27 February 2019