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Riverlea Learners Get a Jumpstart on Their Careers

Excitement buzzed through the halls of Riverlea Secondary School this week as WesBank unveiled its FirstJob programme to eager Grade 12 learners from the classes of 2024 and 2025, building on the momentum of its Movers and Mentors initiative that was piloted with the school last year. Both initiatives demonstrate WesBank’s commitment to empowering South Africa’s youth and tackling the critical challenge of youth unemployment.

Since its inception in July 2018, the FirstJob programme has been a beacon of hope, providing a crucial bridge between education and employment. Designed to enhance employability, FirstJob offers a comprehensive one-year programme that combines meaningful work experience with targeted, work-related training.

This visit to Riverlea is a continuation of the Movers and Mentors programme, which saw 60 Grade 12 learners from the class of 2024 experience a transformative career guidance day at WesBank’s Fairland headquarters, led by the Bank’s CEO, Ghana Msibi, alongside other members of its senior leadership team and key role players. Now, WesBank is taking the next significant step, introducing the FirstJob opportunities to the school’s 2024 and 2025 matriculants.

Creating pathways to employment

Through the FirstJob project, WesBank aims to bridge the gap between education and employment by offering selected candidates:

  • A 12-month fixed-term contract with WesBank, providing exposure to the banking environment and essential workplace skills.
  • A fully accredited learnership, carefully selected by WesBank, to enhance each participant’s career prospects.
  • A monthly stipend, ensuring financial support while they gain experience.

Interested learners will go through an interview and screening process, with the programme officially commencing on 1 July 2025.

“Our goal is to equip young South Africans with the skills and experience they need to build successful careers,” said Ghana Msibi, CEO of WesBank. “By bolstering the impact of Movers and Mentors through the FirstJob programme, we are ensuring that learners not only gain exposure to career possibilities but also get a real opportunity to enter the world of work.”

WesBank encourages learners to take full advantage of this opportunity, as participants who complete the FirstJob programme gain valuable skills, industry-recognised qualifications, and an impressive CV that includes WesBank as a previous employer.

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