GEORGE NEWS - School-leavers from George who have been selected for Frontierco's Trailblazers Internship Programme are benefitting from a tremendous opportunity to jump-start their careers.

The company launched the programme in 2022 in collaboration with Dennis Symes, retired headmaster of Glenwood House School, and welcomed its first intake in 2023 for a two-year internship. 

Symes and company CEO Bernard Mostert are extremely happy with how the programme has taken off. 

Some interns have done so well that they have been appointed in permanent positions at the company.

The second intake of matriculants reported for work two weeks ago, eager to grab the opportunities open to them. 

Interns rotate among the company's different departments every two months so that they can gain experience in every aspect of the business. 

Says Symes, "Interns are encouraged to identify their niche skills and preferences within the framework of the Frontierco business structures. 

"They benefit from on-the-job training and experience work in the broader retail environment. They become part of a young and really dynamic company."

Interns who show exceptional growth and commitment during their internship, are also considered for bursary study at a reputable tertiary institution, says Symes, coordinator of the programme and the author of the programme manuals.

Mostert says one of the core values of the company has always been the well-being and interests of the local community and through this programme, he wants to assist local school leavers to pursue their dreams. 

"After the Covid pandemic I realised there were suddenly many parents who had saved for their children's education but were forced to use that money to survive. 

"I wanted to do something that would give such youngsters a chance to build a decent future."

Currently selecting
The company now has 30 young people on the programme - 12 from the 2023/2024 intake and 18 from the 2024/2025 intake. Selection of the candidates for 2025/2026 is underway.

Colin Moko, an intern from last year's intake, showed a special aptitude for the Frontierco online shop. He is now a permanent employee and under his management, the online shop is a roaring success.

In her third rotation, another intern, Elloise Higgs landed at the legal department. When the time came that she had to move on to the next department, they did not want to let her go, so she is still there and is now doing a law degree with a bursary from Frontierco. 

Another youngster, Francois de Bruin, in one of his rotations, ended up at data analytics. Symes says they discovered that he was very enthusiastic about his work and was even studying of his own accord in this field. He was appointed permanently and the company is paying for his studies.

New interns keen
Speaking to George Herald, a few of the 2024/2025 interns were enthusiastic about their golden opportunities. Larissa Davies, a York High matriculant in the legal department says, "I did not have any idea of what I was going to do. This is a great opportunity to figure it out."

Tiché Meyer from Outeniqua High, currently in the graphic design department, says for now she has set aside the study opportunities she had and has chosen to do the internship instead so as to experience the world of work and determine where she would fit in best.

Earn while you learn
Interns are paid a stipend so they earn while they learn. It is also advantageous that interns do not need to find alternative accommodation, but are encouraged to keep on living with their parents.

Fronterco cannot accommodate all the applicants and Symes appeals to other businesses to consider starting a similar programme. 

"By the end of this year when our first intake finishes, we will have a pipeline of youngsters that can be valuable employees to other businesses. 

"We can also send businesses interns who have been selected, but cannot be accommodated due to limited space. 

"We encourage high school principals in George to endorse this unique opportunity."

Interested businesses or school-leavers may e-mail Dennis Symes at denniss@frontierco.co.za. 

The interns who started at Frontierco this year for the two-year Trailblazer Internship Programme. Photo: Alida de Beer

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