As businesses race towards a rapidly evolving digital landscape, equipping young professionals with future-ready skills has never been more critical. In the Western Cape, a groundbreaking initiative is transforming the career trajectories of youth and women by providing them with in-demand digital skills that fuel business innovation.

The Institute of Development at Forvis Mazars, in collaboration with Old Mutual Africa, has launched the Data Analytics Tech Internship Programme, designed to bridge the digital skills gap and prepare young professionals for success in the data-driven economy. This initiative is a powerful example of how public-private partnerships can drive job creation, youth employment, and economic growth.

Building Digital Capabilities for a Changing Workforce

The 12-month internship blends theory and practical experience, offering participants hands-on training in essential data analytics tools such as Excel including Power Pivots, Introduction to SQL Databases, Transact-SQL Querying, and Python, along with Designing & Implementing a Data Science solution on Azure, Microsoft Analytics and Azure Fundamentals. These skills are mission-critical for businesses navigating an environment transformed by digital disruption and automation.

Since its launch, the Forvis Mazars Institute of Development has successfully trained and placed over 50 graduates as data and business analysts. They are now driving operational efficiency and innovation in their respective workplaces. Companies gain access to highly skilled talent through this initiative, while young professionals secure sustainable employment opportunities in high-growth tech sectors.

A Powerful Ecosystem of Collaboration

The success of this program is rooted in strong industry collaboration. Forvis Mazars, Old Mutual, and the Western Cape Government’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) have worked together to create a robust digital skills development ecosystem, aligned with the #SkillsBoostWesternCape initiative. By ensuring that skilled individuals meet the demands of the digital economy, this initiative directly supports the region’s goal of becoming a leading digital hub by 2030.

Furthermore, Accelerate Cape Town, a key business leadership organisation, has played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between the private and public sectors. These strategic engagements are essential for ensuring inclusive economic growth and tackling South Africa’s unemployment challenges.

Empowering Underrepresented Groups

A key focus of the Old Mutual Digital Futures – HC Tech Internship is empowering underrepresented groups, particularly women in tech. The programme provides specialised training, certification, and career development in data analytics, Workday, and Oracle, ensuring that young women develop high-demand digital skills needed across Africa and Old Mutual’s business operations.

With Millennials and Gen Z shifting the landscape of most of its workforce, through strategic partnerships Forvis Mazars Institute of Development and Old Mutual are leveraging youth talent to fuel innovation, business growth, employability gaps, building soft skills, tech skills, and preparing young talent for the workforce, and contributing to community and GDP development.

Delivering Impact Through Excellence

Through its service provision, the Forvis Mazars Institute of Development has collaborated with Old Mutual to design a cutting-edge learning solution that prepares young graduates for seamless entry into the corporate world. The initiative integrates:

• QCTO-accredited qualifications & Microsoft Certifications.
• Old Mutual systems training & professional workplace behaviours.
• Access to Mazars’ global Data Analytics & Emerging Technology Centres of Excellence.
• Targeted programs addressing unemployment & skills gaps for black females and youth (1825).
• Evidence-based learning methodologies ensuring long-term skill retention.

Shaping the Future of Work, Today 

The Forvis Mazars-Old Mutual project is a powerful example of how partnerships drive sustainable impact. By combining skills development, strategic collaboration, and entrepreneurial exposure, this initiative is ensuring that youth and businesses thrive in a future that looks vastly different from the past.

As South Africa moves towards a data-driven economy, programmes like these are critical enablers of job creation, economic resilience, and technological innovation. By investing in young talent today, we are building a workforce that is ready for tomorrow.

“There is a wave of women rising in stem across Africa.  My vision, is to see women rise with purpose, improve their livelihoods, and spearhead the way for other women through mentorship and sponsorship” (Candice Naicker, Group Head of Talent Acquisition, Employer Brand & Early Careers of Old Mutual).