Company Announcement - As part of the company's commitment to uplifting skills in the South African construction industry, A.b.e. Construction Chemicals is currently providing internship to Hilda Mello, a young graduate seeking registration as a qualified Human Resources Associate.

A.b.e. - part of the Chryso Southern Africa Group - is providing the training in terms of the Employment Equity Act and as part of the Group's policy of developing skills and complying to the BBBEE process. 25-year-old Hilda's mentor for the 70 weeks of internship is Brian Matthee, Chryso SA's General Manager: Human Resources and Organisation, and a board member of the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP), which has instituted a Human Resources Candidate Development Programme  in which Hilda is participating. To qualify for the programme, candidates have to be employed in an HR or HR-related job, and hold an HR qualification. Hilda, who grew up and was schooled in Mokopane (Potgietersrus),  holds a Diploma in Human Resources Management and B Tech degree obtained after four years' study at the Vaal University of Technology.

Brian, who is a Chartered HR Professional, says for Hilda to be registered as an HR Associate and be part of the SABPP professional HR community , she would have to complete the competency-based 70 week mentorship at A.b.e. under his guidance. "The internship helps to bridge HR candidates from the theory gained during tertiary studies to proven competence on the full range of HR skills. Hilda has shown commendable enthusiasm and an aptitude for HR. Her ability to interact with our staff, and speak five languages -and understand even more - already show that she will bring credit to the profession," Brian stated.

He is no stranger to HR tuition having - prior to joining A.b.e. - already mentored two other HR candidates in the past, both of whom have risen in the ranks of the companies they joined afterwards.Hilda, as part of her internship, 'shadows' Brian and Barbara Meyer, A.b.e. Payroll & HR Administrator, in a wide range of their diverse duties, including observing recruitment interviews, staff salary adjustments, payroll summaries, capturing annual leave on the payroll, analysing training, and disciplinary inquiries.

Hilda comments: "I am thoroughly enjoying every minute of my internship. My interaction with staff is so interesting and rewarding, It can range from consoling and assisting the bereaved in the formalities associated with the death of family members, providing guidance on documentation that staff members may have to sign but do not fully understand, dealing with employee wellness both on a physical and mental level, as well as interacting with shop stewards as well as executive management. Every day brings something different and gives me the opportunity to do what I am passionate about: working with people."