Latest news with #YESProgramme
The Citizen
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) champions youth empowerment and inclusive growth: Onicca Kekae
IMSAf's inclusive culture and robust support systems were pivotal in Onicca's transition from graduate to professional. As Youth Month shines a spotlight on the next generation of leaders, Isuzu Motors South Africa's (IMSAf) ongoing commitment to inclusive growth and economic opportunity is evident in the journey of Onicca Kekae. Her story is a testament to how IMSAf's youth-focused initiatives are empowering young professionals and driving transformation in South Africa's automotive sector. Onicca's entry into the automotive industry was unexpected but purposeful. With a BCom in Economic Sciences and Econometrics, she joined IMSAf through the YES Programme in 2022, stepping into a world she knew little about. 'If someone told me in university that I'd end up in the automotive industry, I probably would've laughed,' she recalls. Yet, IMSAf's supportive environment, structured mentorship, and exposure to real business challenges quickly turned her curiosity into a passion and a promising career. Being placed in the Rest of Africa and International Markets team allowed Onicca to apply her academic background in international economics directly to her work, making her first year both challenging and rewarding. Central to her development were the YES and Graduate in Training (GIT) programmes. The YES Programme provided her with her first real work experience, offering meaningful tasks and the chance to learn from different teams. The GIT Programme then gave her space to explore her strengths, connect with leaders, and reflect on her long-term path. Structured modules on emotional intelligence, strategic management, and leadership for the 21st century helped her grow beyond technical skills, nurturing her ability to lead with purpose. The Management Development Programme (MDP) further shifted her perspective from task-based work to strategic thinking, ultimately preparing her for her current role as a Market Analyst. IMSAf's inclusive culture and robust support systems were pivotal in Onicca's transition from graduate to professional. She highlights how mentorship from managers and executives not only taught her the job but also instilled confidence and resilience. 'IMSAf's inclusive and people-focused culture created a space where I felt seen and supported. I wasn't treated as 'just a graduate', I was empowered as a future leader,' she reflects. A defining moment in her career was applying for the Market Analyst position, a leap she prepared for with determination and the support of her manager. The experience taught her the value of preparation and self-belief, reinforcing IMSAf's ethos of backing young talent to take on new challenges. Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Onicca's growth. Her mentors encouraged her to make mistakes, held her accountable, and helped her define her leadership style, one rooted in integrity and lifting others. IMSAf's culture of listening to young voices has also enabled her to contribute fresh perspectives, from innovating market data tracking to simplifying communication processes. Facing the challenge of impostor syndrome as a young woman new to the industry, Onicca found strength in her team's consistent support and validation. This sense of belonging empowered her to own her seat at the table and, in turn, inspire others. IMSAf's commitment to youth empowerment and diversity has allowed her to make an impact beyond her immediate role, contributing to youth-focused strategies and championing representation in spaces that need it most. Education, training, and upskilling are woven into Onicca's daily work and long-term prospects. Formal programmes and informal learning opportunities ensure she is constantly developing new skills, laying the foundation for a fulfilling career and future leadership. Her advice to aspiring young professionals: 'Be curious, be brave, and be prepared. Don't wait for someone to tell you 'you're ready', start showing up like you already are. Own your journey, and make it count.' Onicca Kekae's story encapsulates how IMSAf's investment in youth, mentorship, and inclusive culture is not only shaping individual careers but also driving broader economic growth and transformation for South Africa's future.
Khaleej Times
02-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Admissions open for PwC Academy's Young Employable Scholar (YES) programme as higher education landscape shifts
Fast-track programme offers ambitious UAE students a more accessible path to becoming chartered accountants amid rising education costs PwC Academy, the talent and skills development business of PwC Middle East, has opened admissions for the sixth edition of its highly successful Young Employable Scholar (YES) Programme. With 80% of graduates securing positions in leading organisations, this transformative higher education pathway combines the prestigious ACCA (the Association of Chartered Accountants) qualification with the UAE VAT Compliance Diploma and AI training. This two-and-a-half-year programme equips ambitious students with the fundamental skills needed to excel in a career in accounting and finance. The YES Programme reflects a wider shift in perception and expectation towards higher education. A recent report from World Economic Forum (WEF) and PwC found only around 50% of surveyed country's working populations are employed in professions that match their formal education level, highlighting a clear need for a more direct focus on job-relevant skills. The programme provides a combination of qualifications, practical training, and exposure to industry experts from a Big Four firm, directly preparing students for the work they will be performing. This new age approach is rapidly gaining recognition among high-achieving students seeking a first-class career in accounting or finance while side-stepping traditional higher education barriers. This cost and time-effective solution to higher education, tailor made by PwC professionals, targets the skills that will enable accountants to flourish in tomorrow's world. This accelerated timeline means graduates can start earning and advancing their careers while their peers are still studying. One recent graduate, who now works at PwC said: "The YES programme was a great experience that I couldn't recommend enough. The level of teaching and support I received throughout the programme was exceptional, and as a result I secured a role at PwC within a month of graduating." The YES Programme reflects a wider shift in professional qualification requirements. For example, a recent US study by specialist research platform Intelligent found 45% of surveyed companies are moving away from traditional degree requirements in favour of skills-based hiring. Beyond strengthening accounting and workplace skills, the programme is also a pathway to internship opportunities at renowned entities in the UAE, upon successful completion. For those seeking further education, graduates can advance directly to an MSc from University of London, bypassing traditional bachelor's degree requirements. Taimur Ali, PwC partner and head of qualifications at PwC Academy: 'The value of the YES programme goes far beyond cost and time savings. It provides students with a comprehensive academic experience, equipping them with the skills essential to excel in today's fast-paced world. Organisations in the region thrive on the agility and adaptability of their talent, which is why programmes such as YES are pivotal in shaping the leaders of tomorrow." The YES programme is open to exceptional high school graduates with strong academic performance in Mathematics and English who demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to a career in accounting or finance.
Zawya
24-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Admissions open for PwC Academy's Young Employable Scholar programme as higher education landscape shifts
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: PwC Academy, the talent and skills development business of PwC Middle East, has opened admissions for the sixth edition of its highly successful Young Employable Scholar (YES) Programme. With 80% of graduates securing positions in leading organisations, this transformative higher education pathway combines the prestigious ACCA (the Association of Chartered Accountants) qualification with the UAE VAT Compliance Diploma and AI training. This two-and-a-half-year programme equips ambitious students with the fundamental skills needed to excel in a career in accounting and finance. The YES Programme reflects a wider shift in perception and expectation towards higher education. A recent report from World Economic Forum (WEF) and PwC found only around 50% of surveyed country's working populations are employed in professions that match their formal education level, highlighting a clear need for a more direct focus on job-relevant skills. The programme provides a combination of qualifications, practical training, and exposure to industry experts from a Big Four firm, directly preparing students for the work they will be performing. This new age approach is rapidly gaining recognition among high-achieving students seeking a first-class career in accounting or finance while side-stepping traditional higher education barriers. This cost and time-effective solution to higher education, tailor made by PwC professionals, targets the skills that will enable accountants to flourish in tomorrow's world. This accelerated timeline means graduates can start earning and advancing their careers while their peers are still studying. One recent graduate, who now works at PwC said: 'The YES programme was a great experience that I couldn't recommend enough. The level of teaching and support I received throughout the programme was exceptional, and as a result I secured a role at PwC within a month of graduating.' The YES Programme reflects a wider shift in professional qualification requirements. For example, a recent US study by specialist research platform Intelligent found 45% of surveyed companies are moving away from traditional degree requirements in favour of skills-based hiring. Beyond strengthening accounting and workplace skills, the programme is also a pathway to internship opportunities at renowned entities in the UAE, upon successful completion. For those seeking further education, graduates can advance directly to an MSc from University of London, bypassing traditional bachelor's degree requirements. Taimur Ali, PwC Partner and Head of Qualifications at PwC Academy: 'The value of the YES programme goes far beyond cost and time savings. It provides students with a comprehensive academic experience, equipping them with the skills essential to excel in today's fast-paced world. Organisations in the region thrive on the agility and adaptability of their talent, which is why programmes such as YES are pivotal in shaping the leaders of tomorrow." The YES programme is open to exceptional high school graduates with strong academic performance in Mathematics and English who demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to a career in accounting or finance. PwC Academy will host a programme Open Day on 12th April 2025, offering prospective students and their parents an opportunity to meet faculty and learn more about the programme. During this event, candidates can participate in an assessment for the chance to win a 100% scholarship to the 2025 cohort. Interested candidates can register here. Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open. Interested students can find additional information at Media enquiries: Sama Al Shibani, Mojo PR, on email pwcacademy@ About PwC Academy PwC Academy is the talent and skills development business of PwC. We are committed to supporting the sustainable growth of talent across the region. We operate across the Middle East and are part of a growing network of PwC Academies present in over 40 countries worldwide. For further information on PwC Academy, please contact pwcacademy@ or visit
