A specialised training and recruitment programme, aimed at addressing the increased demand for properly qualified black SAS consultants, has entered its second phase with the deployment of 12 candidates into four "real-world" SAS environments.

The programme – developed by SAS Institute SA in conjunction with People Integrated, Sasuka and Real Global Business Solutions (RGBS) – was launched in 2004. Spanning 18 months, the programme includes four months of training to develop organisational and business skills. This is followed by phase two, which involves technical skills training and hands-on experiential training within a "real-world" SAS environment.

According to SAS Institute SA's Professional Services Manager, Steven Ing, key SAS customers in the financial services sector were invited to participate in the programme by hosting and mentoring candidates for the last section of the programme.

"We approached four of our financial services customers with the concept. Nedbank agreed to contract six of the candidates; Mayibuye three, and RGBS has taken on one. SAS backed up its support for the programme by contracting two candidates as well," explains Ing.

The candidates were chosen based on specific selection criteria, which assessed suitability in terms of their values, morals and background, in addition to their level of skill and experience, to ensure optimal compatibility with the culture and values of the host company.

This methodology, designed by People Integrated, focuses on developing and integrating candidates who fit the culture of the target work environment. Utilising this approach the company has developed and deployed over 1 600 people into the marketplace with a success rate of over 99%.

Niel Human, CEO of People Integrated, says: "Assessing whether or not the candidate's values are aligned with those of the organisation is as important as evaluating their level of skill and experience in terms of the job requirements. Research shows that people are significantly more successful in their jobs when they share the same values as their employers."

With the first phase of the programme complete, the candidates are about to be launched into the customer environment where their hands-on training will commence. Each person is assigned a mentor within the host company.

Ing says that on completion of the 18-month development programme, candidates will not only be equipped with all the elements necessary to perform the job of a SAS consultant, but will be in a position to immediately add value to an employer because they are fully integrated. They will also receive an internationally accredited qualification. The host company will have the option, but will not be obliged, to employ the candidate at the end of the programme.

"Through this initiative, we hope to address the shortage of qualified SAS resources in the marketplace, thereby assisting our clients in addressing the challenges around employment equity relating to SAS skills," says Ing.

He adds that the programme is being extended to SAS customers in other industries to meet the ever-growing demand for business intelligence and information delivery.

"The only differentiator in business today is quality of information and the quality of people to interpret it. Worldwide, companies are waking up to this fact and as a result are investing in people and technology to assist them in this space.

"Apart from adding value to companies seeking the sought-after skills of properly qualified black SAS consultants, we are also giving candidates an opportunity to acquire new skills and gain the experience necessary to pursue a career as a SAS consultant by means of a professionally managed development programme."