Beefmaster Group, one of the largest private employers in Kimberley in the Northern Cape, is addressing the critical skills shortage in South Africa’s agricultural sector by launching an apprenticeship programme aimed at fostering industry-related critical and scarce skills.
Cindy Nkgoeng, HR group manager at the company, emphasises the need for a range of skills in the agricultural sector, particularly in the beef industry. “We need a range of skills from electricians and fitters and turners to other technical skills like meat cutting and food processing,” says Nkgoeng.
Making youth employable
To combat the youth unemployment crisis in the country and in Kimberley, Beefmaster Group has initiated an apprenticeship programme. “We want to equip the youth with critical skills to make them employable in the industry,” says Nkgoeng.
The company visited local FET colleges to identify previously disadvantaged students who were then placed on the three-year apprenticeship programme, where the company funded their theoretical and practical skills.
“Since we started the programme, we have successfully trained nine candidates, and most recently, three candidates completed and passed their trade test,” says Nkgoeng.
The selection process was based on the student’s academic performance, followed by an interview and assessment process. The company has already absorbed one apprentice into the permanent position of an electrician at its operation in Kimberley.
Beefmaster Group provides financial assistance to staff who want to acquire formal qualifications such as a diploma in animal production. “Our objective is to ensure that our staff has the relevant skills to enable the company to remain competitive in the industry,” she adds.
The company also offers an employee-assistance funding scheme and programme that encourages employees to fulfil their potential. “Understanding that investing in our human capital will yield good returns for the business.”
Bursaries for tertiary-level education
Beefmaster Group aims to address a range of skills, including mechanical fitting and turning and electrical expertise through its apprenticeship programme, as well as diplomas in animal production, technical and maintenance skills, quality assurance, meat-cutting techniques, and food processing.
“In the last financial year, we have assisted 14 employees who were studying towards their formal qualifications,” says Nkgoeng. The company also offers bursaries to university students studying towards a degree in agricultural economics, as well as animal production qualifications, quality assurance, and technical and maintenance skills.
Beefmaster Group’s vision is to contribute positively to the high youth unemployment rate in the country and Northern Cape province while adding value to companies and economies. “Young people can see themselves differently, and also make a lasting contribution to society,” concludes Nkgoeng.
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