Bursaries

RBCT recognizes the need to develop key skills in line with its business needs as well as those of the community in which it operates. RBCT wishes to enhance the available skills pool in South Africa, and particularly in the Zululand region. Accordingly, the company has established a bursary scheme to enable a limited number of promising South African students, selected on merit, to acquire tertiary qualifications in specified fields of study at certain recognised tertiary educational institutions in South Africa.

Annually, adverts are placed in the local media inviting suitable candidates to apply for bursaries in certain fields designated by RBCT. Applications are reviewed by RBCT and short listed candidates are assessed and the best candidates interviewed. Bursaries (either full or partial bursaries) are awarded to the successful candidates.

At least 70% of bursaries awarded go to previously disadvantaged persons. Since the main focus of the bursary process is to meet RBCT’s long-term staffing requirements, these requirements form the basis of the bursary program each year along with the agreed level of community bursaries. Prior to the advertising and selection process, key line managers are interviewed to identify future needs and shortfalls of qualified staff, and whether a bursary process should be put in place to provide future potential for RBCT. Fields of study include:

• Electrical and Mechanical engineering (BSc).
• Electrical Light Current National Diploma (Technicians)
• Production Management
• Financial studies (BComm. Accounts).
• Safety Management studies’
• BSc Maths and Science
• Occupational Nursing studies

RBCT recognises the need to develop key community based skills, thus a focus on the development of teachers in the maths and science fields along with nursing staff, is always a consideration when advertising and offering bursaries.

Study grants

RBCT provides 10 study grants for the children of RBCT staff to study at any recognised educational institution. Applicants are screened and selected based on defined criteria. Five of the grants are focused on school leavers and five on continued education.

Traineeships

RBCT offers traineeships to meet the future skills requirements of key positions at RBCT. Trainees include:

• Apprentices
• Learnerships (registered with a Sector Education Training Authority (SETA);
• Learnerships (unregistered).

Trainees are selected using standardised assessments, academic results and a panel interview. RBCT bursars are given serious consideration for aligned traineeship positions within RBCT before the position is advertised externally. While not guaranteed a traineeship, bursars are considered on academic performance as well as their performance during vacation work.

Trainees are considered for appointment to positions on completion of their traineeships where vacancies exist. In the case of apprentices; an artisan pool was developed, where newly qualified apprentices work as contractors to various sections ensuring ongoing experience and exposure to the plant, other artisans and section managers. Vacancies are filled from this pool subject to performance.

For more information on bursaries contact
Michael Mhlongo : mmhlongo@rbct.co.za
035 904 4911