In addition, the IT-specific graduates completed a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) qualification through Torque IT.
Recruitment commenced in October 2012 via LinkedIn, various university websites, and Mimecast's own Careers web page, and the campaign attracted an overwhelming response with more than 3000 hopefuls applying from around the country.
Once all complete applications were reviewed, 150 candidates were invited to Mimecast's offices in Sandton for the interview phase. Twenty candidates were then shortlisted for the deciding round of panel interviews. The final appointments included graduates from Gauteng, Limpopo, the Eastern Cape and The Free State.
A year later, a total of six graduates have completed the programme - the equivalent of 10% of Mimecast's permanent workforce in South Africa. Four will be reintroduced into the job market, while two have been offered fixed-term contract positions with the company.
"The IT field is an especially challenging one," said Melissa Cretikos, head of talent of Mimecast. "Our programme has been challenging and is designed to ensure our graduates leave Mimecast not only with cutting-edge skills, but also with the discipline, attitude and soft skills they need for a competitive advantage over the rest of the talent looking for their first permanent position."
Attitude, as much as aptitude, played a significant role in selection. "Globally, our teams comprise talented individuals who are highly motivated and steadfast in their desire to offer a high standard of service," explained Cretikos.
"Mimecasters, as we often call ourselves, are dedicated to driving the company forward to reach ever greater levels of excellence. Mimecast wants to elevate individuals who embody this culture. With IT becoming more and more strategic in nature, the market needs more than just technical competency and skills, but also passion and drive to truly add value. We wanted the whole package and we are proud to say this year's graduates have definitely hit the mark."
Maintaining its momentum in IT skills development, Mimecast South Africa has already opened applications countrywide for its 2014 programme. This will once again be supported by MICT Seta and Torque IT. The programme has been extended to a full 12 months, running from 1 February 2014 to 31 January 2015. Successful candidates will complete the full complement of training on Mimecast and its products, soft skills and Microsoft Office. Those following the Internal IT discipline will once again have the opportunity to complete a fully funded MCSE Certification through Torque IT.
For even deeper skills acquisition, each candidate will be offered a full-term placement in one of the following areas: customer experience, sales administration, business administration, internal IT, and marketing.
As this is a youth-development initiative, applicants should preferably not be older than 25. They also need to have completed some kind of marketing, business or IT qualification within the last two years.
Interested applicants can find more details on the programme through the following links:
Application forms are available through a dedicated inbox: az.oc.tsacemim@setaudarg. Only applicants who have submitted completed application forms, along with their CV and qualification/s will be considered.
