For economically disadvantaged but talented students with a keen interest in pursuing a successful career in property, the chance to grow a solid foundation in the industry and gain sought-after experience is an opportunity.
The Go for Gold Programme is a public-private partnership between several property companies and the Western Cape Education Department that aims to develop disadvantaged young people through education, training and mentoring.
William Brooks, CEO of Synergy Income Fund, says, "The company aims to make a difference to South Africa's economic and social interfaces by empowering entrepreneurs and educating the youth on opportunities in the property field."
Its innovative programme, launched this year, sees it receive matric graduates through Go for Gold, and provide them with a one-year internship where they gain exposure to all aspects of the company and its business. After this internship, the students become eligible to apply for the Synergy Bursary Programme, which offers bursaries for UCT to complete a B.Sc. in Property Studies from undergraduate level through to masters. The bursary is offered to deserving previously disadvantaged students with consistent above average academic performance.
In addition, the company's Graduate Internship Programme is a six-month opportunity for UCT property studies (honours or masters) graduates, quantity surveying and construction management honours graduates and business science graduates.
This opportunity provides exposure to different areas in the property industry, including property management, asset management, leasing, property developments and investments. The graduates are based at the company's offices in Claremont, Cape Town, Sandton, Johannesburg and its retail centres across South Africa.
"The property sector's continued success is advanced by developing young people, helping them realise their potential and providing exciting career opportunities. This is our way of investing in the future of our sector and South Africa's youth," concludes Brooks.
Students can send their CV and transcript to moc.dnufemocniygrenys@sreerac to be considered for the programme.
