Rewardsco Sets New Impact Sourcing Record with 100 Students Trained in 2024

This year, Rewardsco has set a new personal benchmark for impact sourcing, enrolling and training 100 students into BPESA’s 2024 Work Readiness Programme.  

This is a five-day initiative that runs in stages throughout the year, targets young individuals from underserved communities with no prior work experience.

Sponsored by the eThekwini Municipality, the programme was designed to equip young South Africans with the basics to succeed in the workplace and the business process outsourcing sector in particular. The course covers work-readiness skills like phone etiquette, basic computer literacy and communication in the workplace.

For the graduates, this achievement is more than just a piece of paper – it’s a way to radically improve lives – like it has for 19-year-old Ayanda Kunele.

“I came here all the way from Newcastle, got a job and now I am the breadwinner in my family. I’m so proud of myself and so proud of how far I’ve come. I wish many more people could get this chance to learn what we have learned. Many young people like me can get the chance to provide for themselves and their families,” Kunele said. 

She added that the programme had opened her eyes to the world of contact centres and more.

“I learned so many things about engaging with customers but also about PCs because I didn’t know anything about computers honestly. Mostly I’ve learned that customers are human just like us, there’s no need to be scared of them. Just approach them like you would a friend.”

Speaking at the graduation event, Rewardsco’s Chief Business Development Officer – International, Fathima Dildar said the record number of students this year highlights the company’s commitment to addressing youth unemployment through practical, industry-focused training that paves the way for long-term career opportunities.

“When we educate ourselves, we not only move ourselves, we move our nation forward. One person leaning on education means that a family, a community are also educated.

I am very, very proud of you and happy that we are able to uplift the lives of the community around us. I hope this is just the start of your learning journey.”

Every student of the BPESA Work Readiness Programme received a nationally recognised certificate and have been moved into the Rewardsco onboarding programme. They will train for a further three months before taking their place as Rewardsco employees. Something Kunele is especially pleased by.

“Rewardsco is a very nice place. Here you find many things. You find a mother figure in your managers, you find friends. You find a family in Rewardsco.”

Paul Taylor, Head of Recruitment, Learning and Development, said this kind of reaction was exactly what he and his team aim for all year.

“We want to show the youth that contact centres are rife with opportunity. That it’s a great place to start your careers and not somewhere to be afraid of,” Taylor said.

“There are very few things as exciting as seeing someone take a first step into a new skill they thought was beyond them. I am constantly inspired by the courage, strength, humility and confidence of the people who come through our doors.

That more of our youth took advantage of the opportunity to learn and grow than ever before is so encouraging for us.  I’m so proud to represent a company that supports its people like this and even prouder to be part of a community of people who push themselves every day to do their best and grow their abilities,” he added.