An Africa Business Community - www.africabusinesscommunities.com

Cell C helping to empower women in the workplace - Accsys

The annual Cell C ‘Bring a Girl Child to Work Day’ initiative is keeping the role of women in the workplace on the minds of decision makers and business leaders claims management at Accsys.

The company, a member of the Business Connexion (BCX) Group, has again hosted learners from Wendywood High School and Alexandra High School for a day as part of its contribution to Cell C’s annual campaign.

Accsys is a national supplier of people management software and hardware solutions within the HR, payroll and time & attendance space.

Grade 12 learners from each school were given a comprehensive on-site tour of the company’s head office premises in Sandton, including key business silos of marketing, training, administration and technical support.

They were informed about key areas of business management, including contracts, the role of Human Resources in business, technology and sales, amongst others.

“Every year our objective is to inform learners about what it takes to operate a progressive business in today’s economy. It is important that business takes a leadership position in education and training, particularly in key emerging areas such as communications technology and human resource development. The Cell C initiative adds value and provides an opportunity for us to engage with the future business leaders of South Africa and for learners to ask questions and receive the facts about business,” explains Teryl Schroenn, CEO of Accsys.

As is the case within many emerging markets across Africa, there is still a requirement for skills across many industries and sectors in South Africa, particularly technical skills sets says Schroenn.

However, the on-going global credit crunch and ramifications in business (including downsizing and retrenchment), mean that those entering the job market must take advantage of any opportunities to improve their knowledge and overall appeal to the market.

“Employment opportunities and skills availability remain critical considerations within the market today. Initiatives that expose job seekers to the practicalities and realities of industry, trade and commerce contribute to the efforts of both government and corporate South Africa to develop skills and create jobs,” Schroenn adds.

By all accounts the visit by the learners was a success. “I enjoyed the sales department because it taught me how to relate to clients and how to interact. I learnt a lot and benefited from an overview of the working environment and what is required in an interview,” said Nthabiseng Kwapeng from Alexandra High.

Gloria Sagwar, also from Alexandra High, highlighted the competition that exists in sales and described this division as “key to the company”. She also enjoyed the technical side of the business and said that if she doesn’t go to university to further her studies, she would like to go to Accsys!

Shanice Jones from Wendywood High said that she too had gained knowledge and welcome advice for future interviews.

As part of its continuous support of education and skills development initiatives, Accsys also extends the opportunity for male learners to visit during what the company has dubbed ‘Boys in Business’.

www.accsys.co.za