Matheus David
Choppies Namibia last week launched its graduate programme, aimed at helping young people who struggle to find jobs after completing their studies.
Wilka Leonard, the human resources (HR) manager for Choppies Namibia, explained that many students complete university only to face job adverts asking for experience they do not have. She said the programme was initiated to give graduates a fair chance by helping them gain work experience.
Molatedi Kgotla, the Group HR manager at Choppies, said the company is already running a similar programme in Botswana. He shared that he started his own career through a graduate initiative and grew into his current leadership role.
Kgotla said the programme in Botswana has produced store managers, supervisors, and other leaders, and Choppies wants to offer the same opportunity to young people in Namibia. He announced that Triumphant College and the International University of Management are the first universities to join as partners.
He told the graduates that Choppies chose them because they show potential. Over the next year, they will work in various departments, including store operations, supply chain, finance and customer service. He said that, despite work challenges, it will help them develop and have an understanding of how the retail industry operates.
The HR manager also thanked the Choppies Namibia team for supporting the programme and for agreeing to guide the graduates. He said that many employers often claim graduates are not ready for the workplace, and this programme is a way to address that concern.
He added that Choppies is also talking to State universities to create an exchange programme that will allow graduates to gain experience in different countries.
Kgotla said the launch is not just an event but a commitment to give opportunities to young Namibians and support the country’s growth.
The event must be seen as a sense of progress and cooperation between Choppies and its new university partners, she stated.
–matheusshitongenidavid@gmail.com
Photo: Heather Erdmann