Lafarge Africa Plc, has restated its commitment to gender equality and job creation with its Graduate Trainee Programme.
The company announced the graduation of its 2022/23 set of Graduate Trainees, after a successful 18-month intensive training programme. The Lafarge Africa Graduate Trainee Programme is designed to attract and nurture young, talented individuals who possess the qualifications and attributes to become exceptional leaders in their respective fields.
In particular, the 2022 stream focused on Industrial talent, and hence sought to attract primarily Engineering students. The training programme aims to bolster the company’s talent pipeline in crucial areas of the business while simultaneously promoting gender diversity and inclusion in line with the company’s diversity & inclusion guidelines.
After a selection process which involved reviewing over 5,000 applications, 15 outstanding candidates were identified with backgrounds in various Engineering disciplines including Mechanical, Electrical, Mining, among others. Sixty percent of the successful applicants are female which is in line with Lafarge Africa’s commitment to Gender Diversity and Inclusion.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, the Organisation & Human Resources director, Lafarge Africa, Mr. Gbemiga Owolabi, stated that, “our mission was to provide the organisation with well-rounded individuals who are technically sound, having spent a sufficient amount of time training them, and of course also prepare them for leadership positions in the future. Today’s event also shows Lafarge Africa’s commitment to gender equality and job creation.”
Similarly, Industrial director, Lafarge Africa, Johannes Diedericks noted, “you stand at the doorstep of your own careers.
I have had the opportunity to review your progress during this period and what I see is young high potential individuals that can make the change. Make yourself successful in the positions you have been nominated in because that will pave your way to the next big position.”
The head of Talent and Organisational Development, Ugochi Bede-Nwokoye added, “we are proud of the professionals they have become and the value they already bring to the business. We are very excited about the future and look forward to their continued growth and success in the organisation.”
The head, Industrial Learning & Development, Lafarge Africa, Engr. Michael Shokunbi said “they have been prepared to become the epitome of what the company proudly represents in the industry. These young men and women have learnt a lot and have shown their readiness to put into work all they have learned during the programme.”
Speaking on behalf of the graduands, Egbo Godspower, stated, “I would like to sincerely appreciate the management and leadership of Lafarge Africa; it is their vision that has brought us to the point of becoming Graduates trainees of the company and successfully graduating today. The leadership team of the Graduate Trainee programme has given us a leverage to explore our unique gifts and talents in various aspects of the business.”
