AVBOB Integrated Annual Report 2018

Internships, coaching and mentorships An internship programme aimed at bridging the gap between academic study and its practical application was created. A deliberate effort is made to deliver internships to unemployed youth and students in support of the country’s commitment to skills development. The interns continue to be exposed to mentorship and job rotation within the Group. In addition to the above, a mentorship and coaching programme was implemented to strengthen and grow those managers who require upskilling. Senior management are tasked to mentor managers within the various business units. The intention is to develop these managers into strong business leaders that can grow the business and sustain the Group into the future. Study loans The Group continues to provide financial assistance in the form of study loans to employees who are willing to study towards a national qualification through recognised tertiary institutions. A total of 106 employees were given financial assistance during the reporting period. In addition, career advice was provided to employees through activities such as career exhibitions. Employment equity and women in the workplace In the Group, compliance with B-BBEE and Employment Equity (EE) legislation is a business imperative. The Group remains committed to improving its Black management talent. B-BBEE interventions are identified as part of our business strategies and include: • enforcing the focus on underrepresented employees in recruitment, selection and promotion in accordance with the Group’s EE Plan; • implementing alternative recruitment processes which include e-recruitment to assist in the intensified recruitment, sourcing and attraction of applicants from previously disadvantaged groupings; • a planned increase of the training budget; • ensuring that relevant training, coaching and mentoring programmes are in place for Black employee groups as per our EE Plan; and • ensuring that training and appropriate support is sourced, available and rolled out for people with disabilities. All recruitment, transfer and promotion endeavours are performed in accordance with our EE Plan and the National Economic Active Population (EAP) guideline. As at 30 June 2018, 95% of the Group’s total staff complement consisted of Black, Indian and Coloured employees as reflected in the EE status table below: Employment levels 2015 2016 2017 2018 Target % % % % % Management 42 39 42 47 57 Specialist/skilled 65 74 69 96 96 General staff/clerical 97 98 98 88 88 EE% of workforce 92 93 94 95 94 47