Architect and Builder September/October 2015 | Page 81

Skills Development with Long-term Benefits programme, Go for Gold moves the students into Phase 2 of the programme: an internship year where they are employed by a sponsoring company to experience the industry and help make informed career choices. “The internship year is hugely valuable as it allows students to gain first-hand experience of the various professions involved in the Built Industry and other related sectors,” says Bridget. “It is also strongly supported by our industry partners, who get a chance to assess the students’ future employability.” This sentiment is endorsed by Chrystal Poole, HR Director with Civil Engineers Haw & Inglis: “Each year we employ 50 - 60% of our new students from Go for Gold. If I had it my way, Go for Gold would be my one-stop shop! Go for Gold students are really different because they’ve been well prepared during Phase 1 and have already been exposed to the industry. I would take 100% if I could, but they are in such demand from the other partner companies.” Once the students complete their internship year they start their Phase 3 tertiary academic studies, with most fully sponsored by the same company who employed them during their internship year. Students have the freedom to choose their course of studies, although civil engineering and quantity surveying are among the most popular choices. Boasting a very low under-graduate dropout rate, 80% of Go for Gold students graduate in the minimum period and move immediately from University to guaranteed employment with their sponsoring company (Phase 4). “It’s a win for both parties. Our partner companies are able to earn SED and Skills Development B-BBEE points through their investment in Go for Gold and employ qualified graduates from disadvantaged communities, who are wellprepared for a career in the sector. Simultaneously, the student has the security of employment and they repay this by being incredibly loyal to their sponsoring company,” says Bridget. For more information on Go for Gold and how to become a partner company, visit www.goforgold.org.za or contact 021 703 0395 or email [email protected] Some Go for Gold students enter in-house training acadamies as part of their Phase 3 studies Go for Gold students at the 2014 awards ceremony Go for Gold 79