The Awards are a unique opportunity for young, talented individuals in the 28-40 year age category to highlight their successes, as well as prove their commitment to development and growth - of not only themselves and their organisations but also their industries and communities. HR personnel and line managers are encouraged to nominate young people that they feel deserving of a Rising Star award within their organisation, via the online submission form.
The 12 industry categories are banking and financial services; construction and engineering; energy and chemicals; entrepreneurship; ICT; manufacturing, retail and FMCG; media and marketing; mining and minerals; professional services; service: public and private; tourism, leisure and hospitality; and transport, logistics and supply chain.
Nominees will be required to complete an entry form, and those who progress to the semi-finals will go through a second round of entry forms, which requires more detail and supporting documents from the nominee, as well as verification from their nominator. Finalists will be then invited for an interview in front of a panel of experts - a three-hour question-and-answer session that delves into the heart of whether the candidate has what it takes to edge out the others. The criteria have been developed by USB-ED (University of Stellenbosch Executive Development) from its research into the Future Leader and it will moderate the judging process.
"We have a wealth of young talent in South Africa, and we need to recognise it," says Laura Barker, MD of BlackBark Productions, organisers of the Rising Star Programme. "What is great about our programme is that it is not just an award - it is a platform for young talent to establish themselves in a lifelong network of like-minded individuals and grow exponentially by connecting with the top minds in the country."
Standard Bank's global head of resourcing, Amelia Muller, says the bank is proud to be the headline sponsor again this year. "We have seen first-hand the significant role these awards play in identifying and celebrating talent across all industries. They provide a unique platform for our young leaders to display the work they have done, as well as encourage us with their potential for reaching even greater heights. They also provide a cross-industry network of up-and-coming leaders that will soon be a powerful force to be reckoned with in the business world. Importantly, the awards are also putting Africa on the map when it comes to showing the global business community what amazing talent we have on the continent."
"Personal development through the network is encouraged, and various social and professional events held throughout the year after the awards reinforce this crucial element of our programme," explains Barker. "Another element of the programme is the Arcelor Mittal Rising Star Summit - a platform for past and current winners to take the stage and speak to corporate South Africa about the role young talent can and should play in a changing economy."
Not only does the Rising Star programme develop young South African leaders who are eager to make their mark, it plays an important role in bringing the leading organisations of South Africa together to raise talent on the national agenda. "Sitting back and complaining about the lack of skills and brain drain we face in most industries is not conducive to crafting a solution. Forward-thinking companies are realising that they have a responsibility to attract, develop and retain young talent. They will not be the only ones to reap the rewards - the economy as a whole benefits when organisations are committed to growing the skills pool," concludes Barker.
Sponsors for the 5th Annual Standard Bank Rising Star Awards include Standard Bank, ArcelorMittal, Sasol and Hilton Worldwide. For more information, go to www.risingstarawards.co.za.
