Riverlea, 6 March 2025 – The energy was palpable at Riverlea Secondary School this week as WesBank unveiled its groundbreaking FirstJob programme to an eager group of Grade 12 learners from the classes of 2024 and 2025. This momentous event follows the success of WesBank’s pilot initiative, Movers and Mentors, which was launched at the school last year, continuing the bank’s unwavering commitment to empowering South Africa’s youth and addressing the pressing issue of youth unemployment.
Since its inception in July 2018, the FirstJob programme has served as a vital bridge between education and employment, offering young South Africans an invaluable opportunity to build meaningful careers. The programme is designed to provide participants with hands-on work experience, coupled with tailored training to develop their employability skills.
The FirstStep Towards Employment
WesBank’s FirstJob programme is more than just an internship—it’s a structured, year-long learning experience aimed at giving learners a competitive edge as they prepare to enter the workforce. Through this initiative, WesBank aims to address one of the most pressing issues facing South African youth today: the transition from education to employment.
“The gap between education and employment is wide, and FirstJob aims to bridge that gap by equipping young people with both practical work experience and accredited training that enhances their career prospects,” said Ghana Msibi, CEO of WesBank.
As part of this initiative, learners will be offered the chance to gain hands-on experience within WesBank, one of South Africa’s leading banking institutions, through a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role provides exposure to the banking environment and the essential workplace skills that are often difficult to gain in a traditional classroom setting. In addition, each participant will receive a fully accredited learnership, selected by WesBank to align with the participant’s career aspirations, providing a solid foundation for future growth.
To support learners during their time in the programme, WesBank will provide a monthly stipend, alleviating financial pressure while participants focus on their development. The programme is set to officially commence on 1 July 2025, following a rigorous interview and screening process, ensuring that only the most dedicated candidates are selected.
A Legacy of Empowerment
The unveiling of the FirstJob programme is a natural evolution of WesBank’s Movers and Mentors initiative, which made a significant impact last year. During this programme, 60 learners from the 2024 cohort participated in an inspiring career guidance day at WesBank’s Fairland headquarters, where they were mentored by the bank’s CEO and senior leadership team. The event allowed students to engage with industry professionals, gaining insights into the diverse career paths available in banking and beyond.
The FirstJob programme now takes the next crucial step by offering these learners an opportunity to gain more than just theoretical knowledge. By participating in this programme, they will acquire tangible skills, industry-recognised qualifications, and the invaluable experience of working with a reputable employer. It’s a powerful addition to their CVs and an important stepping stone in their professional journey.
Investing in South Africa’s Future
“Our goal is to equip young South Africans with the skills and experience they need to build successful careers,” Msibi added. “By enhancing the impact of Movers and Mentors through the FirstJob programme, we are ensuring that learners gain not only exposure to career possibilities but also a real opportunity to enter the world of work. This isn’t just about giving them a taste of the workplace—it’s about preparing them for long-term success.”
WesBank encourages all eligible learners to seize this opportunity. The skills, qualifications, and experience they gain through FirstJob will set them on a path to success, equipping them to thrive in today’s competitive job market. Upon completion of the programme, participants will walk away with more than just an impressive CV—they will have a robust foundation on which to build a rewarding career, with WesBank as a key part of their professional journey.
As WesBank continues to take bold steps in supporting South Africa’s youth, the FirstJob programme stands as a beacon of hope, lighting the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for the next generation of South African leaders.
