De Beers Global Sightholder Sales (DBGSS) recently held a graduation ceremony for the seventh cohort of its Learnership Programme, a six-month rough diamond sorting and evaluation development course which offers qualified candidates a unique opportunity to earn significant job experience, skills, and knowledge in Botswana’s diamond industry.
The programme consists of four months of technical training on the sorting bench, followed by two months of experiential learning inside the organisation.
In addition to diamond-specific training, DBGSS Academy provides comprehensive soft skills training for its learners. The Academy provides external clients with a range of courses, including Rough Diamond Sorting, Polished Grading, and the 4C’s Course.
At present, the Academy has graduated 60 students, with a 92 percent placement record at De Beers. The program is critical in advancing the De Beers Group beneficiation strategy and developing a pipeline of trained alumni for possible employment in the diamond business.
“At DBGSS Academy, we are dedicated to training the next generation of diamond industry experts and advancing diamond beneficiation in Botswana. Our learnership curriculum not only provides technical skills but also prepares students for successful careers in the diamond business. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of training delivery, ensuring consistency, and fostering excellence across our academies in Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia,” said Thabile Moipolai, Senior Vice President People, De Beers Group.
Tshidiso Ramatlapeng, a graduate of the 2024 class highlighted, “The programme has provided invaluable training on the entire diamond value chain, from mining to jewellery production. While Batswana are aware of the economic significance of diamond sales, few have had the opportunity to work directly with rough diamonds.”
