BritelinkMCT is a full-service optical fibre company that specialises in planning, implementing, maintaining and repairing fibre optic telecommunications infrastructure for network operators. It has active operations across South Africa. Its vision is to deliver quality, sustainable infrastructure connecting communities across all affordabilities.
BritelinkMCT’s Head Start CSI programme aims to empower unemployed young people by providing comprehensive training and work experience in the optical fibre installation industry. Each year, the programme enrols 30 to 50 candidates, offering them an opportunity to gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills over six months. The on-the-job training is designed to meet industry standards, ensuring participants are well equipped for future employment.
In addition to the training and work experience, candidates are provided with a stipend to cover travel and other basic living costs, alleviating a financial burden and enabling them to focus fully on their development. This holistic support is crucial to ensure participants engage effectively with the programme.
The initiative primarily serves unemployed youth across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and the Western Cape, targeting regions with high unemployment rates. By the end of the six-month programme participants not only acquire the skills necessary in the telecommunications sector but also have a significant chance of securing employment within BritelinkMCT, with 75% of work experience candidates typically being absorbed into full-time positions.
This programme has been running successfully since 2018, continuously contributing to reducing youth unemployment and fostering economic growth in the targeted provinces.
Social benefits – combating unemployment
The programme demonstrates quantified changes in beneficiaries’ lives. In 2023/24 a total of 216 unemployed young people enrolled in the programme, gaining valuable technical and vocational skills tailored to the optical fibre installation industry. Of the 216 participants who started the programme, 177 completed the six-month training and work experience. Seventy-five percent (121) were offered full-time employment by BritelinkMCT.
The programme also demonstrated measured outcomes over time. Participants demonstrated improved technical skills, as evidenced by pre- and post-training assessment scores, and enhanced employability. Employer feedback indicated that the trained participants met or exceeded industry standards in technical competency and workplace readiness.
Compared to similar CSI projects, BritelinkMCT’s Head Start programme stands out for its high absorption rate (75%), ensuring a substantial number of participants secure employment. The programme’s comprehensive support, including stipends for travel and living costs, contributed to higher completion rates and better overall outcomes in comparison to projects lacking such support mechanisms.
Business benefits – developing employable talent
While the societal benefits of the Head Start programme are evident, it has also had a beneficial effect on the company itself. The programme has created a robust talent pool of skilled and trained individuals in the optical fibre installation sector. By developing and employing new staff, BritelinkMCT has strengthened its workforce with specialised skills critical to the telecommunications industry.
The specialised training provided to participants has elevated the technical capabilities of BritelinkMCT’s employees, ensuring that the company has a competitive edge in delivering high-quality services and maintaining industry standards. With a trained and competent workforce, the company can improve operational efficiency, reduce training time for new employees and enhance overall productivity.
The programme has effectively leveraged corporate resources by investing in future employee development. This strategic allocation of resources should lead to long-term cost savings and better returns on investment.
By training and absorbing its trainees, BritelinkMCT has reduced costs associated with external recruitment and onboarding, while ensuring that new employees are well aligned with the company’s needs and culture. The company’s reputation as a socially responsible employer has also attracted more committed candidates, leading to a more skilled and motivated workforce.
Additionally, the programme’s investment in training and providing work experience to unemployed youth has been recognised as a contribution to BritelinkMCT’s SED points on the BBBEE Scorecard. This has enhanced the company’s overall BBBEE rating and demonstrated its commitment to social and economic development.
Internally, the initiative has been communicated within the company to highlight its social impact and reinforce the company’s values and commitment to community development. It has improved employee morale, as employees take pride in working for a company that actively contributes to social development.
The programme has also enhanced BritelinkMCT’s corporate image among its industry peers. It showcases BritelinkMCT’s commitment to addressing industry-wide challenges such as skills shortages and unemployment.
Active involvement in the programme’s design and funding requirements has improved relationships and engagement with stakeholders by demonstrating a commitment to their needs and concerns.
Finally, the programme’s success has influenced the company’s broader CSR strategy, integrating more socially beneficial practices and creating a cohesive approach to community engagement.
Programme in numbers
| R967 933 | 216 | 177 | 75% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company expenditure on the project in 2023/24 | Unemployed young people enrolled in the programme in 2023/24 | Participants completed the six-month training and work experience | Participants absorbed into full-time employment within BritelinkMCT |
Judges’ feedback
“BritelinkMCT’s Head Start programme was a clear demonstration of a well-thought-through and designed approach that addresses the challenge of youth unemployment through skills development and employment while simultaneously ensuring skills and talent within the company. The programme has a 75% absorption rate, which indicates the clear link to business needs.”
Commendable mentions
AECI – Petco waste management programme
AECI has partnered with Petco to address waste management as a revenue stream for unemployed women and youth. To date, AECI supports 13 waste management businesses. A total of 284 jobs are created annually, managing over 400 tonnes of recyclable waste per month. Jointly, these entities generate an income of over R745 000 per month, a 53% increase in revenue after Petco support. The project has clear intentions, with M&E indicators and tracking, and clear impact across stakeholder groups.
Judges said:
“AECI’s Petco waste management programme scores well on most dimensions with a strong demonstration of its impact. The project has clear intentions, with M&E indicators and tracking, and clear impact across stakeholder groups.”
Standard Bank – OneFarm Share
This project aims to address South Africa’s hunger challenge by providing fresh, nutritious produce to those facing meal uncertainty. The goal is to contribute 100 million meals by the end of 2024. It also aims to accelerate smallholder farmer development through the provision of market access, prompt payment, market-related pricing, and increased access to business and agronomy support. Lastly, it aims to reduce fresh produce waste from commercial farmers and agro-processors by providing an alternative to juicing, landfills and open dumping. The project has clear targets and activities with impact demonstrated through case studies. The business link is clearly illustrated through new markets, products and value to clients.
Read more about the OneFarm Share project on page 153.
Judges said:
“Standard Bank’s OneFarm Share has clear targets and activities with impact demonstrated through the case studies. The business link is clearly illustrated through new markets, products and value to clients. A strong project.”
