SA ECONOMY online

 

More skilled junior and middle managers for the banking sector

 

The BANKSETA-funded Junior and Middle Management (JAMM) programme which launched in May 2008 plays an important role in increasing the pool of junior and middle management skills that are available within the sector.

“The BANKSETA has a number of programmes, but none of these are as integral as the training of people in the middle layer in management positions.” BANKSETA CEO, Max Makhubalo explained.

 

Since product offerings are very similar, Makhubalo said the competence of employees within banks was the real differentiator. It also provided South African banks with the competitive edge when increasing their footprint into Africa and other global economies.

 

The BANKSETA has partnered with the Institute of Bankers (IOB) for the delivery of the six month programme. The programme covers areas such as people development, performance management and an analysis of the financial services industry including banking and financial skills. A business simulation at the end of the programme draws all components together in a simulated exercise.

“While the content of  both the Junior and Middle Management programmes is very similar, the delivery is different in that at junior management level ,it is focused on the operational job requirements, while at middle management level the programme is more strategically focused,” Trudy Paul, IoB- Head of Projects

The programmes candidates who graduate from the first phase, marks a historic occasion for the BANKSETA, the IOB and the banking sector. Some 36 learners have already graduated in Gauteng, 11 learners graduated in KwaZulu-Natal and 18 learners from the Western Cape. 

It is still our intention that the JAMM Programme be rolled out in the Eastern Cape and in the Free State. This is of course dependant on the uptake by participating employers in the banking and micro-finance sector.  Phase II  will roll out in February 2009.

 

BANKSETA CEO, Max Makhubalo says, “six months after launching this programme, I am even more convinced of the importance and relevance of the JAMM Programme. We are very proud to be spearheading the JAMM Programme and to be assisting the sector to address skills shortages at junior and middle management level. We believe the 400 managers that the JAMM Programme will develop over the next 18 months, will play a critical role in ensuring the continued sound functioning and competitiveness of our banking sector” Makhubalo concludes.

 

Media Contacts

 

Kaamini Reddy

Manager: Marketing and Communications

kaaminir@bankseta.org.za