Bosch Rexroth Africa, a leader in hydraulics, pneumatics and automation, prides itself on empowering not only the youth but the women in our society. A show of this commitment can be seen in the graduating class of its latest Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme. Out of 36 graduates, 23 were women.

Of the 23 graduates, 13 were offered permanent employment within the Group, in positions ranging from IT Services to administrative roles, as well as apprenticeships for female fitters. The group is also the biggest female cohort of a YES Programme conducted by Bosch Rexroth Africa thus far.

The larger incorporation of women into the function of the Group is one of great importance and has been a focal point of the Group’s developmental attempts. Achievements of this kind of inclusion include the appointment of the first female millwright earlier in the year. Additionally, the Group aims to foster a diverse culture by hiring and promoting women into positions previously held exclusively by men.

The success of the young women in the YES programme echoes sentiments made by Hytec South Africa General Manager, Freddie Kühn, on the Group’s desire to drive its people forward. “Part of expanding successfully involves taking our people along on this journey by investing in their skills development and making them feel like they have a sense of belonging”, he said.

Bosch Rexroth Africa is proud to play a role in the growth and employment sustainability of women in South Africa. Group Chief Operating Officer, Mike Harrison, emphasised this. “Achieving gender equality requires the engagement of women and men, employer and employees, management and staff. It is everyone’s responsibility”, he said.