In early February, graduates Jason Akwenye, Ashmeen-Lee Cloete and Christiana Namoonde, were announced as the three graduates inducted into Capricorn Group and Bank Windhoek’s revamped Graduate Training Programme (GTP). The GTP offers graduates a two-year on-the-job-training opportunity in preparation for permanent employment.
Meet the graduates
In 2014, Akwenye started working at Bank Windhoek’s Audit Department. He later applied to study law and got accepted. “I had to resign, but fortunately, the Bank offered me a four-year bursary. I came back and did my internship at Capricorn Group’s Legal Department. I completed my degree in 2018,” said Akwenye.
Born in Windhoek, the 26-year-old is currently doing his articles at a local law firm before he returns to Bank Windhoek in two years’ time. Akwenye holds two bachelor’s degrees: one in Economics and Finance and the other in Corporate Law obtained from the University of Cape Town and the University of Pretoria
Ashmeen-Lee Cloete, 21-years-old, matriculated from Dr Lemmer High School in Rehoboth and holds a Bachelor of Computer Science Degree, specialising in Software Development from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). She obtained the degree in 2018 and has been deployed to the Group Information Technology (IT) Department. Her training period will be spent within the various sections of IT, namely; Architecture, Solutions Design and Delivery. She will also be shadowing the IT Management team.
Namoonde will be rotating between various departments within Capricorn Group and Bank Windhoek. These will include Risk, Finance and Procurement and Treasury. Born in Tsumeb, the 22-year-old holds a Bachelors in Applied Mathematics degree, obtained from the University of Pretoria in 2018.
Expected outcomes
Akwenye said he expects to have a better grasp of the processes that maintain Capricorn Group, including but not limited to, a greater understanding of the various affiliates, departments and personnel. As for his future plans, Akwenye aims to be proficient in the areas of commercial law as it pertains to financial institutions, as well as investment and development banking.
Cloete said that her goal is to practise what she has learned at university and to improve her skills and knowledge. “My future plans are to further my studies and add value to Capricorn Group,” she adds.
Namoonde approached Bank Windhoek in 2015 in search of a study loan. “I was then informed that I had an option of applying for a bursary. After a week, I was called in for an interview and was awarded with a bursary,” she said. Namoonde’s objective is to develop a better understanding on quantitative methods and analysis.
As for her future plans, she plans on furthering her studies in quantitative finance, whilst writing her actuarial board exams, scheduled to take place in April. Her goal is to become a qualified Chartered Enterprise Risk Actuary professional.
Bank Windhoek’s Recruitment Manager, Chantelle Reid, who will oversee the graduates training progress, said: “We are excited to have relaunched a revamped GTP. Our three bursars are dedicated and determined to learn. We wish them the best”.
The trio are currently being remunerated and will be permanently employed once they complete their training. They are also required to go through budgeting and personal finances management training.
The graduates thanked Capricorn Group and Bank Windhoek for giving them a once in lifetime opportunity. They advised potential graduates that getting a bursary is not the end but the beginning of hard work.