Andile Innocent

• From 2020 to date, 60 graduates have been permanently employed at ABB • ABB hires graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds, female engineers and people living with disabilities • ABB’s global initiatives align with localisation policies In recognition of World Youth Skills Day on 15 July, leading technology and solutions provider ABB acknowledges that skills development and representation are integral to every organisation’s success. “They are top of mind, while inclusive learning is important. We demystify misconceptions about our industry and ensure we hire female engineers, people living with disabilities and people from disadvantaged backgrounds,” says Mervin Munsamy, Human Resources Director. “We ensure that our employees, as part of their development activities, become members of the bodies related to their area of specialisation. We pride ourselves on the high standard of output we deliver,” says Munsamy. For example, a programme is in place to assist engineers to become professionally registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa. Such has been the success of ABB’s graduate programme that, from 2020 to date, 60 graduates have been permanently employed at the technology leader. In addition, 80% of the candidates from the company’s training programmes have found gainful employment. “Our aim as an engineering company is to afford all youth the opportunity to enter our industry, including disabled people,” says Munsamy. He believes that continuous skills development is critical for sustainability in line with ABB’s purpose: “We ensure a sustainable and resource-sufficient future incorporating youth who are the next generation of leaders.” The graduate programme is divided into two programmes, namely support (HR, logistics, finance, supply chain, marketing and IT, to mention but a few) and engineering (mostly electrical, computer systems, mechanical, industrial and mechatronics). “We do not look at experience, but our interview …