Celebrating leading graduate employers in various industries across South Africa, the South African Graduate Employers Association (SAGEA) has announced the winners of this year’s SAGEA Employer Awards. In the automotive sector, it was BMW Group South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa that was recognised as the Graduate Employer of Choice 2021, as voted for by recent graduates.
First launched in 2009, the SAGEA Employer Awards honour local companies for their successful graduate programmes and their commitment to employing and developing local graduates. The awards are based on a national survey conducted by the SAGEA and specialist student and graduate research company High Fliers Research Ltd. Over 2 200 candidates responded to this year’s survey, which took place between March and June. In it, candidates were asked to name two organisations they feel to have the best graduate programmes, based on the programmes available, training and development practices, and the overall reputation of the business and general appeal of the brand. With no lists of companies to choose from, responses were entirely unprompted, which is why BMW Group South Africa is so proud to be honoured by this authentic award.
“We’re thrilled to be recognised as a top graduate employer in South Africa,” expressed recently appointed BMW Group South Africa CEO Peter van Binsbergen. “We see such a high calibre of graduates coming through our programmes each year, and it’s particularly validating to hear that these young minds feel supported and encouraged at our organisation. By welcoming new graduates into the workplace and helping them gain valuable experience, we’re committed to developing new leaders for the future of South Africa.”
Developing graduates and providing opportunities to jobseekers is a core value at BMW Group South Africa and has been for many years. In 2002, the company became the only motor manufacturer in SA to be accredited as an Investor in People, proving its commitment to nurturing and growing its employees. BMW Group South Africa has also been recognised as a Top Training Company, celebrated for its achievements in skills development and employee training. This is also the ninth time the company has received the SAGEA Employer of Choice Award.
BMW Human Resources Director, Charissa Hector also commented on the recent achievement, saying, “Our company is built on several core values, including openness, appreciation, and trust. These principles guide us in making the most of new employment opportunities and ensuring all our employees – from graduate interns to senior managers – feel valued and appreciated. Through working together, respecting each other, and being open to new ideas, we’re confident our goals as a company will continue to be met.
