Expert Cares: Empowering the Future Through Opportunity

To build a better tomorrow, we need to begin today.

It was with this exact sentiment in mind back in 2011 that we at Expert launched our learnership as a core aspect of our internal skills development programme.

The decision was made by our Board of Directors and Human Resources department to embark on an initiative to provide opportunities for young people within the retail industry, and to grow the skills pool within the Expert company.

“As a company that employs many young people, the need to uplift and upskill the younger generation has always been a matter of priority for Expert, and this was also in line with our transformation plan, including Employment Equity and Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment,” explains Rochelle Fowlds, Financial Director at Expert. 

“The learnership is a one-year programme of on-the-job training, with a focus on developing and building the skills required by the job role assigned to each learner. The learners then gain hands-on experience and receive guidance working alongside our full-time Expert team.”

Initially, this learnership programme was fully funded by Expert, but in recent years the company has received discretionary grants from the Wholesale and Retail SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority).

The learners we identify to take part in the programme are chosen according to the SETA guidelines as well as future job requirements identified by Expert.

Meet Some of the Expert Learnership Graduates:

Thuliswa Nzwana

Thuliswa Nzwana is a vibrant and enthusiastic 26-year-old, who has risen through the ranks of our Expert Learnership Programme to become a highly valued member of the Expert team as a Warehouse Administrator.

Born in the Eastern Cape, Thuliswa then grew up in Soweto before moving with her family to Thokoza in the East Rand, where she completed her high school education as well as attaining a BA Business Management degree.

“Being part of the Learnership and the Expert organisation has helped me to understand not only the company, but also myself as an individual. I got to tackle different tasks within various departments during my learnership, which helped me to understand how the organisation works as a whole. It also helped me to identify my strengths and weaknesses and to understand my passion and capabilities.”

“From interacting with our customers to working with different individuals and personality types, multi-tasking, teamwork and building good relationships, to understanding the supply chain and logistics, I got to learn effective working strategies, problem-solving and the importance of effective communication and leadership.”

Lilita Dube

Lilita Dube is 24 years old and one of the many rising stars at Expert. Originally from Matatiele in the Eastern Cape, she spent most of her years growing up in East London.

After successfully participating in our Expert Learnership Programme, Lilita is now a proud member of the Expert team employed as a Team Leader at our Ecommerce Warehouse.

“The learnership exposed me to the business side behind the brand. I was able to gain the necessary skills and workplace experience, which opened up opportunities for growth and better employment.”

“I think one of the best ways to plan for the future is to make the most of the present. I know I still have much to learn, but I’m ready to grab opportunities with both hands and move forward with my career.”

Ntando Mofokeng

Ntando Mofokeng, aged 31 from Vosloorus in the East Rand of Johannesburg, is a proud member of the Expert team, and having completed our Expert Learnership Programme she has progressed to Creditors Supervisor.

“The Learnership Programme gave me essential workplace experience. I was introduced to the entire foundation of the company, including fields outside of my career. This gave me an understanding of how it all works together.”

“Through the hard work and determination, the learnership opened doors for me to get to where I am today which I am very proud of. It has inspired me to continue to grow myself and my career.”

Thabiso Monareng

26-Year-old Thabiso Monareng was born in Gauteng but grew up in Welkom in the Free State. After taking part in our Expert Learnership Programme he now proudly holds the position of Junior Credit Controller at Expert.

“Taking part in the learnership meant that I was able to gain valuable workplace experience. It helped shape my ambitions in terms of my career, and it definitely inspired me to want to follow a career in finance.”

“It has been such an exciting journey for me working here at Expert. We got to learn about the full spectrum of departments within the company, how each one works and how it all fits together.”

At Expert we take pride in doing our part to build a bright future for our community, our employees, and our Expert family. We will always continue to be here for you.