First graduates emerge from Accenture's EmployAbility Cadet Programme

Having commenced in September 2016, Accenture’s EmployAbility Cadet Programme has produced its first set of graduates. The programme was launched in partnership with education experts to support the disabled population in South Africa with becoming employable.

The initiative, launched in collaboration with skill development institution KLM Empowered, is part of Accenture’s wider efforts to promote skill development in South Africa and across the globe. Unemployment is among the major economic issues that South Africa is faced with, and skill training is among the most effective solutions.

The South African Human Rights Commission reports that nearly 1% of South Arica’s workforce falls within the disabled category. At a time when the demand for digital skills is soaring through the roof, Accenture is equipping this segment with such skills to boost their employability.

Over the course of the programme, students of the EmployAbility Cadet Programme go through theoretical training, after which they receive practical experience through placements at various information communication technology companies. Tech firms in South Africa also benefit from the additional talent pool. 

Components of the training include a National Diploma in Project Management and a National Certificate in Information Technology Systems Development. Success stories from the programme have emerged, such as that of Rendani Matshaya, who is a graduate of the programme now working for Drive Control Corporation.

“There were times I wanted to give up but we’re always being encouraged to persevere. In my customer management journey, I’ve learnt to focus on the bigger picture and most importantly, when dealing with clients, it’s important to check in on their wellbeing too, not just asking them for money when I call,” said Matshaya.

Accenture South Africa’s Head of Corporate Citizenship, Inclusion and Diversity Khethiwe Nkuna said, ““In 2018, we spent more than R38 million on skills development for learners with disabilities and black employees. We have produced highly skilled and motivated artisans who will now be able to participate meaningfully in the economy and uplift their communities. Our investment efforts are crucial to grow the pool of future skills available to the local market and, ultimately, sustaining Accenture’s success as a high-performance business.”