"The Menyetla programme is the ideal way to bring all of Clockwork's learning opportunities together. We are very excited about the opportunities this programme will enable, and we are passionate about nurturing and supporting the marketing professionals of tomorrow," says Andre Potgieter, senior human resources manager at Clockwork.

The agency says that since 2017, Clockwork has offered multiple learner, intern and bursary opportunities to aspiring graduates and professionals via the Clockwork Empowerment Fund. As a non-profit organisation, the fund directs a percentage of the agency's annual profits to finance bursaries for promising candidates.

Clockwork adds that its 12-month learnerships are based on a rigorous training programme, with successful participants receiving an NQF Level 5 diploma in their respective fields. Meanwhile, Clockwork internships are targeted at postgraduate students looking to gain a foothold in their chosen industry, with participants benefiting from on-the-job experience, knowledge and skills.

"Many agency learning programmes fail to close or even address the gap between the experience of education and the experience of working. Dropping a graduate into a position and expecting them to achieve the same productivity and performance levels as longstanding staff members is unrealistic. It's up to us to recognise and act on that with a more targeted and comprehensive approach," Potgieter adds.

Inspired by the Sesotho word for 'opportunity', the Menyetla programme will now house all of Clockwork's learning schemes. Previous recipients of these schemes will manage the new programme, which has been in development since the start of 2023. As part of the programme, members will participate in workshops and information sessions that explore topics such as workplace integration and etiquette, financial success and business leadership.

"Menyetla's goal is to increase the probability of success among our young trainees through targeted support and training that helps them adapt quickly and efficiently to their roles, responsibilities and participation in the corporate workspace," Potgieter says.

Nic Simmonds, co-chief executive officer at Clockwork, says, "As an agency and industry, we have a responsibility to coach the next generation of professionals, and Menyetla will help us accomplish that by formalising and integrating our various training initiatives."

"Our learners are a fundamental part of our organisation. They offer new ideas, new ways of working and new perspectives that help us evolve and continue to push the boundaries of PR and communications. The future cannot begin unless we seize the opportunities before us. That is the spirit of Menyetla," concludes Siimonds.

For more information, visit www.clockworkmedia.co.za. You can also follow Clockwork Media on Facebook, X or on Instagram.