"With a shortage of professional financial advisers in the industry, we established an Adviser Academy in 20120 to provide a continuous stream of qualified advisers mostly for the bank but also for the industry," says Izak Smit, managing executive at Absa Financial Services Distribution. "This initiative is not only about skilling the people; it is also about creating employment opportunities, as we endeavour to integrate trainees in jobs within the bank upon completion of the programme.
"The first group of trainee advisers, who have recently completed the programme, have been placed in different positions within the bank's insurance and financial advisory services. This will complement our existing financial advisers therefore helping to promote the much-needed saving and investment culture in our country."
In today's increasingly competitive businesses environment, organisations often compete through the knowledge of their people - frequently referred to as valuable assets. As a result, skills development has become a key focus for businesses operating in South Africa and globally.
"This academy gives us an opportunity to grow our own talent from the grassroots and consequently meeting the challenge of scarce and critical skills required in the financial services industry," concludes Smit.
