Just in time for the start of the new academic year, the Facilitation Workshop has launched its 2021 Futurebanker bursary programme. Comprising five bursaries for the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree, the programme has been designed to support South Africa’s next generation of bankers and wealth creators, opening up new career possibilities in the exciting fintech space.
With many matriculants and even graduates rethinking the study options open to them in 2021 – including how and where they learn – finance remains a very attractive choice. “As the sector continues evolving to meet client needs, demands and expectations, a career in banking, insurance or wealth creation will be both stimulating and challenging,” says Dr Susheila Moodley, director of the Facilitation Workshop. “The dynamic use of tech in this space means that there is also far more room for creative-thinkers and ‘non-traditional’ applicants to step into fulfilling careers in this stream. This includes socially-minded entrepreneurial individuals wanting to challenge current definitions of money and wealth.”
The five bursaries will be awarded to deserving candidates, with a skew towards women. The beneficiaries will have the option of completing the course online or follow a blended-learning route joining the Facilitation Workshop’s mainstream class of 2021.
A comparatively new qualification in the financial space, the BBA focuses on financial markets and instruments, giving students a deep understanding of business in the financial market environment. “Because the degree is all about building core future-facing competencies, leadership and management are key elements of the curriculum. It also includes everything from digital banking to customer management, making it exceptionally well-rounded from a skills and knowledge perspective,” notes Dr Moodley. “There will also be an opportunity to practice what has been learnt.”
Perhaps the best thing about the qualification however is how it has been structured. “Each year has been directly aligned with the NQF structure. This means that you have an NQF5 equivalent at the end of the first year for example, making you immediately employable,” explains Dr Moodley. “This creates additional flexibility for students choosing this qualification.”
With 2021 already upon us, the team at the Facilitation Workshop are encouraging students to get their bursary applications in as soon as possible. “We’ll be hosting a virtual open day on 21st January for anyone who wants to find out more, ask questions and even take a virtual tour of our campus. In this way we’re looking forward to helping South Africa’s future bankers, insurers and wealth creators kickstart their careers this year, and take a significant step towards realising their dreams,” concludes Dr Moodley.
