After a one year long training, the first batch of the Uganda Development Bank Ltd (UDB), Graduate Apprenticeship Program (GAP) came to an end. The program seeks to provide hands-on skills development and job opportunities to nascent professionals in a bid to create a pool for the Bank’s future talent needs
The candidates undertook structured attachments and job rotations across all functions of the Bank. The trainees undertook various training programs, projects and assignments both at group and individual level to facilitate learning, innovation and to harness their project management potential.
The fresh graduates were selected from a pool of over 500 applicants. The successful candidates are: Ibrahim Wanume, from Makerere University, Phiona Kababito, from Makerere University, Deo Asiimwe from, Kyambogo University and Joel Sserukuma, from Uganda Christian University Mukono.
Why the program
There exists a war for talents within financial services sector particularly commercial banks, with high turnover averaging about 16% per year, the supply of ready talents in the field of development and finance is minimal.
‘’Key to note, UDB is the only development finance institution in Uganda and like all forward-looking organizations, continuity is key thus it becomes imperative to build a healthy stock of skills and talent to enable it to deliver its strategy. GAP is our response to this very pertinent aspect of this country,” said Mr. , the Director Strategy and Corporate Affairs at UDB
At the end of their training, the apprentices will have acquired the relevant competencies required for various roles; those that will have successfully completed the program, demonstrated the right attitude, conduct and aptitude, will be absorbed into the Bank’s service.
Trainees speak out
‘‘Joining UBD program provided me with the opportunity to augment my passion with a resounding mission. Through all round exposure to Banking operations, I was able to work with exciting projects in infrastructure ‘’ said Ibrahim Wanume who has ee retained as investment officer infrastructure.
Phiona Kababito had this say about the program: ‘’ I have had a chance to work with a strong team in conceptualization of several ideas into Bankable projects geared to improving the lives of Ugandans’’
2nd cohort launched
The Bank has launched its 2nd cohort of the Graduate Apprenticeship Program calling for applications from graduates in specific fields of study. Successful candidates must be Ugandan citizens that will have graduated with a Bachelor’s degree qualification, from any reputable-recognized university with CGPA of 4.0, and above. They must be 30 years of age and below. The deadline for receipt of application is 30th September 2022.
also read: Where are Uganda’s graduates?
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also read: A Bank on a Mission: How Equity is Shaking Up Uganda’s Banking Industry
