Passion pays off in VWV Phakama Class 2015 selection

Award-winning brand experience agency VWV has announced the Phakama Class of 2015 has been selected. The CSI programme – now in its second year – is aimed at developing vital on-the-job skills to empower young women entering the marketing sector workplace. The students have been selected from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), the AAA School of Advertising, and the Vega School of Brand Leadership.

With seven more candidates than the inaugural 2014-group, VWV was so impressed by the applicants it changed the parameters to accommodate the extra talent applying for a spot in the programme – bringing the total number of participants to 32.

According to Koo Govender, CEO of the VWV Group and found- er of this industry-fi rst initiative, the calibre of students this year has greatly surpassed that of the first group selected to participate in the empowerment programme. “Although the first students we mentored were inspired and confident, there is something truly special about this year’s young women and we are looking forward to working with them and mentoring them in the weeks ahead.”

The qualifying students had to submit a written application, meet the transformation criteria VWV has determined for the academy and have marks that meet or exceed a 65% average. The short list of students were put through an interview screening with a VWV panel, who certified that only the most passionate were accepted.

Amukelani@vwv.com.