Skills development is a key focus for Mediclinic Southern Africa. We offer employees more than a job – we offer opportunities to build a career. Upskilling means working towards a better future together.
We understand that continuous learning leads to a competitive workforce and a stronger tomorrow for our teams and the business as a whole. Whether our people are starting out in their careers or building on years of experience, Mediclinic provides the educational training and support to help them achieve their goals. Four of our employees share their experiences.
Simphiwe Jele
From student nurse to general management
“Education is key for a clinical caregiver because you need a great deal of knowledge to be a good nurse. Mediclinic encourages continuous learning and is very supportive if you show you want to study. I was recently selected for a one-year general management course after being recommended by my Nursing Manager. This makes me feel even more committed to my long-term goal of becoming a Nursing Manager myself.
My career started as a Pupil Enrolled Nurse, level 1 (PEN 1) and I qualified as a Nursing Assistant (formerly Enrolled Nursing Auxiliary) after one year. I then applied for a one-year course to become an Enrolled Nurse (formerly staff nurse) and worked as an EN at Mediclinic Muelmed from 2011 to 2016.
After I had completed several bridging pre-courses and achieved strong grades in each course, I applied to become a Professional Nurse (which was then called a Registered Nurse). The bridging courses are interesting because they offer a good overview of the different hospital units, including the Emergency Centre, maternity, rehab, ICU, surgical and medical. I then went through the interview stages with the principal of the nursing school, human resources, and the Nursing Manager. Because Mediclinic pays for your training, you must demonstrate your commitment and willingness to learn.
I studied at the Tshwane Learning Centre and worked as a PN for four years before being chosen for the management course. Upskilling at Mediclinic is possible because they offer courses for everything, including digital training. I often enrol in continuous professional development (CPD) courses and want to complete the one-year midwifery course soon.
My dream is to become a Nursing Manager within 10 years. Once I’ve completed my occupational health and administrative courses, I will qualify to occupy that chair with pride and confidence.”
Bianca Wales
From student intern to Senior Service Centre Officer
“I completed a three-year HR Management Diploma at Northlink College in Cape Town. Mediclinic is one of the organisations that hosts students for the practical side of their studies, and I worked at the Mediclinic Regional Office in Tijgerpark for 18 months.
At the time I was paid by the Sector Education and Training Authority, but before I had completed my internship, I was offered a job as a Service Centre Officer at Tijgerpark. Five months later, I was promoted to Senior Service Centre Officer.
Our tasks include loading inputs, confirming employment, parking, administration, documentation, employee on- and off-boarding, terminations and resignations, maternity leave and payslips. I’m very pleased and proud to be part of the Mediclinic family and I think I have a good future ahead of me.”
The Mediclinic Employment Equity plan aims to create a diverse workforce that represents South Africa’s population. This incudes all job categories.
Talent management and succession is used to find and train future leaders to ensure business continuity in key roles. It also helps facilitate the transfer of knowledge and skills.
The skills development plan promotes career growth and improved skills – especially for designated groups and people with disabilities.
Meshach Naidu
From ICU-trained Professional Nurse to Hospital General Manager at Mediclinic Pietermaritzburg
“I started my journey as an ICU- trained Professional Nurse (PN) working in the highly specialised field of neurovascular nursing. Later, I embarked on a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in healthcare management.
In 2018, I successfully applied for the position of Deputy Nursing Manager of the specialised units at Mediclinic Pietermaritzburg. In 2021 I was promoted to Nursing Manager of the hospital, and in June 2022 I became Regional Clinical Manager for the Central Region. In October last year, I took up the post as Hospital General Manager at Mediclinic Pietermaritzburg.
Nursing is an amazing career path. If you study further and make the necessary sacrifices, many opportunities exist in clinical specialisation management and academia. I’m a firm believer that nurses care and want to make a significant difference in the hospital and community.
Leadership that really transforms people and organisations requires an authentic and motivational management style, as well as real empathy. You get greater performance from employees by inspiring them, boosting their self-confidence, and encouraging them to achieve set goals.”
Wayne Hennies
From Basic Life Support paramedic to ER24 Limpopo Branch Manager
“A commitment to patient care, professional integrity and lifelong learning is vital to success in this career, and there are many opportunities for advancement. Both my parents are in the medical field – my dad is the Emergency Centre Unit Manager at Mediclinic Paarl, and my mom is a theatre nurse at Mediclinic Durbanville. I knew I’d somehow end up in the profession.
After finishing a Basic Life Support course, I completed the two-year Diploma in Emergency Medical Care at the ER24 Training Academy in Tijgerpark. I then qualified as an Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic. While I was working in a temporary position in Cape Town, a former lecturer recruited me to the ER24 Limpopo branch. Within three years, I was Branch Manager.
The Learning and Development department is very supportive. I’ve completed an International Trauma Life Support course and am now doing a one-year online management course. I feel constantly challenged and see a bright future for myself with the company. In time, I want to move into higher management.
Mediclinic really does support skills development, cares for its employees and encourages growth. It’s about being able to grab the opportunities in front of you and make the most of them.”
- Extract from the Transformation Publication 2023