Nomzamo Radebe, MD of JHI Properties, said: "At any given moment we have 30 to 40 learners and interns, mainly from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, who receive practical experience and mentoring within the organisation. Most of these become employed within our organisation after the year of practical training, while others find employment within the industry.
"Last year (2013) we also took on a group of interns from SAPOA (South African Property Owners Association), who spent several weeks at JHI Properties, benefiting from mentoring and hands-on experience.
"With our vast experience and extensive employee network, which incorporates some of the best qualified people in the industry and experts in their field, we welcome enthusiastic new talent into our organisation to share this knowledge. We believe they can benefit considerably by experiencing at first-hand what we do as it will stand them in good stead in their future careers as we encourage a work ethic infused with mutual cooperation and mentorship. In other words, this is very much an inclusive team effort."
At JHI Properties human resources plays a key role in development of staff, including women and gender empowerment, through a variety of training initiatives at all levels, and the organisation focuses on skills transfer, learner and mentorship and employment equity, as well as helping to foster entrepreneurs who seek to enter the industry. Graduates are also recruited to participate in JHI internship programmes and are exposed to the property industry in various facets of the business.
From an overall industry perspective Kgodisa Training Academy also forms part of Excellerate Property Services group. This learning institution provides National Qualifications Framework Level 4 courses, which are registered with the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), and was the first to provide SETA-accredited training for the recently introduced Facilities and Property Management diploma, which is also an NQF Level 4 qualification.
In addition to furthering the growth of professionalism of the property industry and enabling valuable skills transference, once obtained, this new qualification will enable applicants to enter the property industry as a portfolio manager or facilities manager. For those already in the industry it will enable them to enhance their skills and further broaden their careers, while adding value to the services offered by the property management sector.
Added Radebe: "We will continue to play a role in assisting those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds enter the property industry and further their careers, and also continue to contribute to a changed perception in the industry towards women in the workplace. Currently our workforce comprises approximately 60% women."
For more information, contact JHI Properties on +27 (0)11 911 8000 or email az.oc.ihj@ofni
