In a groundbreaking collaboration, Gert Sibande TVET College, in partnership with the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA), has unveiled an ambitious 18‑month Work‑Integrated Learning (WIL) Programme designed to empower students by placing them in top-tier insurance organisations across the Gert Sibande region. This visionary initiative aligns practical workplace experience with academic curricula, fostering a new generation of skilled insurance professionals from enrolment through to potential employment.
Bridging Education and Industry
South Africa’s insurance sector is evolving rapidly, with digital transformation and regulatory reforms accelerating change. Industry leaders have consistently underscored the importance of work-ready talent – graduates who can not only study theory, but who can also apply technical knowledge in day-to-day operations. The Gert Sibande–INSETA partnership rises to this challenge, offering a structured platform where students:
- Rotate through specialised departments such as claims processing, underwriting, customer service, and risk management, offering rich exposure to the full insurance value chain.
- Receive personalised mentoring from seasoned professionals, helping them gain vital professional acumen, interpersonal skills, and ethical awareness.
- Apply theoretical insights from their TVET College coursework in real-world environments, sharpening competencies and boosting employability.
A Complete 18-Month Journey
Spanning a full academic year plus six months, the programme is intentionally designed to mirror the natural rhythm of student learning and development. Major milestones include:
- Onboarding & Induction (Months 1–2): Interns are welcomed into host organisations like Santam, OUTsurance, and local brokers, given orientation, career guidance, and essential training.
- Departmental Rotations (Months 3–14): Students spend 4–6 weeks in each strategic department—underwriting, claims, customer engagement—acquiring hands-on experience in critical insurance disciplines.
- Specialist Deep Dive (Months 15–17): Interns pursue individual interest areas (e.g., cyber-risk underwriting or personal lines) and work on real projects to develop advanced expertise.
- Final Assessments & Certification (Month 18): Learners complete an integrative project, reflect on lessons, and receive a joint certification from Gert Sibande TVET College and INSETA, showcasing their readiness for permanent roles.
How to Apply:
- Qualification(s): Management Assistant, Human Resource Management, Financial Management, Marketing Management and Business Management
- Duration: 18 months
- Age: 18-35 years
- No criminal record, Proficient in English, Willingness to work in the insurance sector and funeral Parlors.
- Be unemployed and not studying or intending to study or involved in any form of training or learnership during training/placement.
- Only Gert Sibande TVET College students are eligible to apply.
Interested graduates are encouraged to:
Prepare a comprehensive CV, certified ID copy, certified NCV results, and proof of residence.
Applications may be hand delivered to any Gert Sibande TVET College Campus — SSS Office/Centre — Office of Career Guidance & Job Placement or alternatively via below email addresses:
- Balfour Campus: Ms. Lerato Seomee – l@gscollege.edu.za
- Evander Campus: Mr. Mzukisi Mbethe – mc@gscollege.edu.za
- Ermelo Campus: Mr. Sabelo Sikhosana – s@gscollege.edu.za
- Sibanesetfu Campus: Ms. Thabelang Mashabela – rc@gscollege.edu.za
- Standerton Campus: Mr. Xolani Mkhonto – xd@gscollege.edu.za
- Perdekop Campus: Ms. Moratua Sigasa – m@gscollege.edu.za
DOAWNLOAD THE GERT SIBANDE TVET COLLEGE WIL PROGRAMME ADVERT HERE
Why It Matters for the Gert Sibande Region
The Gert Sibande district, a hub of agriculture, manufacturing, and mining, depends heavily on insurance services to manage risk — from crop failures to industrial equipment breakdowns. This programme supports regional economic sustainability in several ways:
- Fosters local talent, reducing brain drain by offering high-quality career training close to home.
- Supports employers’ demand for professionals equipped to handle evolving risk profiles.
- Boosts inclusivity, as TVET trainees often hail from underrepresented or disadvantaged communities, bringing valuable diversity to workplaces.
INSETA’s strategic investment signals a broader commitment to transforming the insurance sector’s workforce. By funding stipends, covering training costs, and building partnerships with employers, INSETA is helping ensure that colleges like Gert Sibande can graduate a well-prepared labour pool.
What Lies Ahead:
Building on this success, Gert Sibande TVET College and INSETA plan to:
- Expand placement opportunities, bringing aboard more insurance firms and niche service providers.
- Integrate digital training modules, equipping interns with skills in insurance analytics, insurtech, and data-driven risk modelling.
- Track graduate outcomes, establishing a longitudinal study to record job placement rates, career progression, and employer satisfaction.
A Call to Industry Partners
Now is the ideal time for insurance businesses in the Gert Sibande region to join this dynamic programme. By offering placements, mentorship, and guest lectures, organisations contribute to building not just individual futures, but the future of the region’s economy and the broader insurance profession.
CLOSING DATE: 08 JULY 2025
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