VAS-X GRADUATE PROGRAM

Seven years ago, VAS-X embarked on an initiative to address the pressing need for skilled resources in our industry. We recognized that developing young talents and empowering them with relevant skills was essential not just for VAS-X's growth but also for the progress of South Africa's professional landscape. Thus, we launched our graduate program in Johannesburg, laying the foundation for what would later become a transformative journey to success when it found a new home in Cape Town in 2016.

In the early days of the program, we faced challenges in securing the necessary resources to expand its reach and impact. However, we remained committed to our vision and understood the potential impact on both the participants and our company. It was this determination that led us to make a strategic move to Cape Town, a city renowned for its academic institutions and a pool of young, ambitious graduates from various disciplines.

The relocation to Cape Town breathed new life into the program. With renewed focus and clear objectives, we sought to draw graduates from all of Cape Town's esteemed universities, creating a diverse talent pool that would enrich the program's outcomes and foster a dynamic learning environment.

During the interview process for our graduate program, we recognized that, as much as all candidates were graduates, there existed a significant gap between the skills taught in academic institutions and the practical requirements of the workplace. We realized that academic qualifications alone would not guarantee success in our industry. Therefore, we looked for candidates who not only possessed the relevant academic background but also demonstrated a positive attitude, adaptability, and a willingness to learn.

To ensure their successful transition into the professional world, we established a base starting salary of R15,000 per month. This provided them with a foundation as they embarked on their transformative journey with VAS-X.

Revamping our approach, we honed the program's curriculum to align with company demands, ensuring that participants gained practical knowledge and skills that would make them highly productive within our company. Collaborating with industry partners, we expanded our network to provide participants with real-world experiences and exposure to cutting-edge projects, further enhancing their readiness for the workplace.