Expertise

That’s what we believe at SSI and why we have formed Young SSI (Y-SSI) to address the training and development needs for all of our staff under the age of 35. Our motto is “Engineering Our Future Today,” and we are preparing ourselves to be tomorrow’s leaders…today. We believe that Y-SSI represents the greatest forum for young professionals throughout Southern Africa. Whether you fall under technical staff or support staff, as a part of Y-SSI, you can expect to have a voice that is heard loud and clear throughout the company.

Y- SSI is not a social club, but a company-wide initiative will the full support of our CEO, Naren Bhojaram. Says Naren, “SSI’s vision includes a growth strategy as well as strategies for innovation and investment in our people…Mobilization of Young SSI to participate meaningfully in shaping the future of SSI is vital. Y-SSI will be used as a platform to identify future leadership of the company…Leadership is not about what you say, nor about how loud you say it, but rather by what you do.”

Y-SSI is guided by the following KPAs:

Y-SSI Business Plan: Interact with EXCO to develop a business plan and budget for Y-SSI to implement its directive.
Y-SSI Forum: Plan and host a networking/professional development forum for Y-SSI to align with SSI’s Managers’ Forum.
Y-SSI Innovation: Provide a support platform for Y-SSI to initiate and develop innovative concepts and ideas.
Y-SSI Issues and Solutions: Provide a platform wherein the issues and concerns of all Y-SSI staff can be voiced.
Training, Further education, and Career development: Facilitate training opportunities of all types for Y-SSI staff by assisting with career path planning, identifying and publicizing training opportunities, and supporting SSI’s mentorship initiatives.
Leadership/Managerial Development: Identify leadership training programs in concert with EXCO for Y-SSI National Council, the Regional Representatives, and other promising Y-SSI staff.
Marketing: Provide a web-based Y-SSI forum, market Y-SSI within relevant professional bodies and at the tertiary institutional level to enhance existing recruiting efforts.
Association with Professional Organizations: Facilitate professional registration among Y-SSI, identify and encourage Y-SSI staff to serve on boards and committees, support the integrity of the profession.
Social Activities: Initiate social networking events with a purpose within and between SSI offices.

What does Y-SSI mean? Hear what staff have to say about the profound effects it has had on them.

I am a natural introvert so being thrust into the position of Y-SSI Chair took me out of my comfort zone. I quickly discovered that I have the ability to communicate well with people on different levels. With every new engagement, I gained in self-belief and am now in a position where I am very confident in my abilities to lead this team. I am more positive about the company and my future in the company. I now strongly believe in the ethos of the company and am doing my part to make SSI the industry leader.
– Brandon Naidoo, Y-SSI National Council Chairperson, Pretoria

I was getting a bit frustrated that I could see that there were real issues in the office that probably wouldn’t be resolved anytime soon. So when Y-SSI came around and I heard the ideas and the stance it had, I thought that it was a great opportunity to actually get involved with getting things done quicker! Even though I am technically minded and employed for that strength, I have a lot more to offer the company. I don’t view myself as technical anymore, but rather dynamic.
– Dean Durant, Y-SSI Regional Representative, Cape Town

Y-SSI helped us to see the bigger picture of the business world, and opened our eyes to recognize the opportunities that SSI holds for the young people in this organization. Now it is up to us to get up and seize these opportunities.
– Jacquelyn McCallum, Y-SSI National Council Member, Woodmead

I have traveled both nationally and internationally campaigning and getting the pleasure of seeing people coming on board Y-SSI! I have had the opportunity to speak and dine with some of the EXCO members including the CEO. I am getting my own sneak preview at how management works which should help shape me up for bigger and better things within SSI. I have suddenly turned from a mere follower into a leader.
- Queen Zenyani, Y-SSI Chief Internal Communications Officer, East London

It’s amazing and gratifying to work for a company that has manifested its commitment to younger staff in such a tremendous way. Not only am I being mentored, I also have a opportunity to be a mentor, to shape the future of a major corporation in a way I never thought possible at a very young age.
-Erin Ansell Y-SSI External Communications Officer, Johannesburg

I joined the Y-SS to group to bridge the gap between the junior staff and the management, to display and promote professionalism amongst the young people in the company. It’s an honour to be one of the representatives at the front of the movement.
-Teko Motlhabi, Y-SSI Regional Representative: Johannesburg