Looking back on the year that was …..

The seventeen students of CoachLab have been hard at work since they walked into the programme in March 2008…..and the end of their journey is drawing nigh. The period ahead will be the highlight of the year for them, which the students themselves have dubbed as “a time of self realisation, challenges and lots of fun!”
The learners who were sponsored by MTN, Standard Bank, EPI-USE, Cisco Systems and the Resilience Company, are divided into four groups. Each group is focused on different post-graduate courses such as IT Business Informatics, Software Development, Computer Networks, IT Multi Media and Electrical Engineering at Tshwane University of Technology or University of Pretoria.
These are some of the comments that they have made:
On how they found out about CoachLab:
“I was looking for a job and as I was reading through my faculty notice board, I noticed the CoachLab poster and I decided to enrol …. And here I am!” Joyce Mohlala.
“Mine was a case of word-of-mouth, a friend went through the course a couple of years ago and recommended the programme to me. I applied and was immediately contacted for an interview. I too will recommend CoachLab. In fact, I have convinced two of my student mates and hope they will be able to experience what I have experienced here.” LuzukoMqnwazi
What attracted them to CoachLab:
“The fact that I could continue my studies while gaining working experience and earning a salary was attractive to me.” Dumisane Kubayi
“I was drawn by the possibility of working with big companies, the freedom to apply my skills and being able to study and finish off my BComm Honours degree.” Adel van der Westhuizen
The first week at CoachLab:
“It was very exciting – we didn’t know what to expect! We went through an induction programme, went on The Innovation Hub tour, we were introduced to the companies in the Maxum Incubator and we met our sponsors. It was the start of a rewarding experience….” Nyiko Mabunda
What their daily routine entails:
“We work on the projects during the day from 08h00 to 13h00 and then we leave to attend our lectures. I like the flexibility of the programme, but one needs to be responsible with your time.” Elon Ramashapa
Their experience on the three weeks they spent doing vocational work at their sponsor companies:
“The full month I worked at Standard Bank was a real eye-opener for me. The environment was very corporate and I was treated like a true professional. I thought there would be someone there waiting to hold my hand! I compiled a report and presentation at the end of my time there. It was great fun; I am looking forward to establishing myself in that environment.” Tebello Mogoba
“My experience at MTN was humbling yet surprising – I expected a stiff environment where everyone wore a suit, but I was right at home in my jeans. There are no hierarchical boundaries- everyone was happy to share their experiences with me and advised on how to do things. The open plan set-up allows for interactions with immediate colleagues. ” Khaukanani Mukhwantheli 
“Working at Cisco Systems was a dream come true! That is where I want to continue pursuing my career. It is leading company and I now have first hand knowledge as to what makes them the successful brand they are!”  Bongani Matshiane
On skills acquired at CoachLab:
“Besides the ability to manage ourselves in a group environment we are so much more professional that when we arrived. We speak differently, we carry ourselves in a mature way and we have added to our capabilities: presentation skills, time management, basic financial concepts and team dynamics. We are all walking out of CoachLab better, stronger and determined individuals.” Mthunzi Nzima
In closing:
“CoachLab is a fantastic leadership programme – the Standard Bank group has been hired! If that is not testimony of how effective this programme is, then nothing is!” Princess Malinga
All these students have successfully completed a shared project: the Home Affairs Digital Identity Project.
Friendships have been built, projects were successfully completed and this bunch is ready to take the world by storm. The CoachLab graduation ceremony will be held on the 27 November 2008.
Applications for next year’s CoachLab Programmes are now open, so please visit www.coachlab.co.za or contact Gopolang Setumo on 012 844-0031 for more information.