Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading Sub-Saharan Africa Building Solutions Company and member of Holcim, a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions, has announced the graduation of its 2022/23 set of Graduate Trainees at a ceremony held in Ewekoro, after a successful 18-month intensive training programme.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, the Organisation & Human Resources Director, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Gbemiga Owolabi, stated: “Our mission was to provide the organization with well-rounded individuals who are technically sound, having spent a sufficient amount of time training them, and of course also prepare them for leadership positions in the future. Today’s event also shows Lafarge Africa’s commitment to gender equality and job creation.”

Owolabi advised the graduates to have a growth mindset, embrace professionalism at all times, and put in the values, skills, and time required.

He also charged them to be ethical, aspirational, resilient, and look for the right mentorship. “As you graduate today, look for a mentor and start building that network. You need someone to guide you to support and fast-track your growth within the business. Lastly, become a part of the champions that would make Lafarge a great place to work!”

The Lafarge Africa Graduate Trainee Program is designed to attract and nurture young, talented individuals who possess the qualifications and attributes to become exceptional leaders in their respective fields.

In particular, the 2022 stream focused on Industrial talent, and hence sought to attract primarily Engineering students. The training programme aims to bolster the company’s talent pipeline in crucial areas of the business while simultaneously promoting gender diversity and inclusion in line with the company’s Diversity & Inclusion guidelines.

After a meticulous selection process which involved reviewing over 5,000 applications, 15 outstanding candidates were identified with backgrounds in various Engineering disciplines including Mechanical, Electrical, Mining, etc. Sixty percent of the successful applicants are female which is in line with Lafarge Africa’s commitment to Gender Diversity and Inclusion.

The successful candidates were then assigned to various units within the Industrial department and embarked on a comprehensive 18-month program that includes intensive functional training, classroom learning and functional rotations. The program concludes with a final learning session in a business school conducted in collaboration with the company’s esteemed partners at the Lagos Business School.

The Graduate Trainees are now ready to transition into their respective positions within the Industrial Department across the country. Equipped with their newly acquired skills and knowledge, they are poised to make significant contributions to the organization’s operations, ensuring its effectiveness and success.

Similarly, Johannes Diedericks, Industrial Director, Lafarge Africa Plc, while speaking to the graduates, noted: “You stand at the doorstep of your own careers. I have had the opportunity to review your progress during this period and what I see is young high potential individuals that can make the change. Make yourself successful in the positions you have been nominated in because that will path your way to the next big position. If you really want to climb the ladder, you need to be successful in what you do. We really look forward to what you will be bringing to the company in the future.”

Ugochi Bede-Nwokoye, the Head of Talent and Organizational Development remarked: “We are proud of the professionals they’ve become and the value they already bring to the business. We are very excited about the future and look forward to their continued growth and success in the organization.”

The Head, Industrial Learning & Development, Lafarge Africa Plc, Engr. Michael Shokunbi, while presenting the graduands said they have been prepared to become the epitome of what the company proudly represents in the industry. “These young men and women have learned a lot and have shown their readiness to put into work all they have learned during the program’.

Also, Arshad Tarar, Learning and Development Global Programs Manager, Cement Excellent Manufacturing said: “This is a unique learning and growth opportunity for you in Lafarge Africa. If you really want to grow in this organization you have to improve your technical and non-technical skills. You have a whole lot of opportunities to grow within the business.”

Speaking on behalf of the graduands, Egbo Godspower, stated:“I would like to sincerely appreciate the management and leadership of Lafarge Africa; it is their vision that has brought us to the point of becoming graduate trainees of the company and successfully graduating today.

The leadership team of the Graduate Trainee program has given us leverage to explore our unique gifts and talents in various aspects of the business.

On behalf of my colleagues, we’d like to say a big thank you to our mentors, coaches, and colleagues who have shared their professional expertise and experience with us, this has shaped us and given us the professional edge that we have now. All that we have received will give us an opportunity to explore our various talents. We will make everyone proud.”

Lafarge Africa is active in four business segments including Cement, Aggregates, Ready-Mix Concrete, and Solutions & Products.

Source: Press Release