• RMS has announced the launch of its Talent Factory.
• The first cohort of 12 graduates will receive experiential training in the regulatory pricing and financial aspects of utility management.
• This adds on to RMS’ consistent leverage of the Youth Employment Services to introduce new youngsters to the world of utility management.

The world of utilities is evolving at a rapid pace, particularly in anything that relates to energy. This is set to exacerbate an already strained sector especially when it comes to finding trained professionals.

To address this, privately owned utility network management firm, Remote Metering Solutions (RMS) has announced the launch of a new initiative in the RMS Talent Factory. This is a 12-month experiential learning programme where 12 recent graduates will trained in the regulatory pricing and financial aspects of utility management.

“The shifting landscape presents intricate challenges. Utility management service providers are now tasked with navigating these complexities, assisting clients in optimising their utility management activities for financial and environmental sustainability. The Talent Factory is RMS’s answer to cultivating a pool of adept young graduates by exposing them to all aspects of utility management. We believe that our Talent Factory graduates will become highly sought after talent in the utility management sector, ready for deployment at future employers,” says RMS chief executive officer, Chris van der Walt (pictured).

This programme is meant to act as bridge for energy management courses at TVET colleges and universities. The course focuses on the intricacies of the sector which are becoming more important as the world tries to transition away from fossil fuels and other archaic technologies in favour of renewable resources.

The first cohort going through this academy were selected with help from Graduate World Connect BPC, a company that specialises in incubating and developing young talent.

“Our approach to utility management not only seeks innovation but also prioritises social responsibility. Making a measurable impact on people and society is no longer a business imperative – it is simply the right thing to do. I could not imagine a better group of graduates, and I am delighted to welcome this inspiring group of talented professionals to the RMS family. By investing in South Africa’s youth, we’re nurturing tomorrow’s leaders in utility management. We have high expectations of our first Talent Factory cohort and look forward to seeing how they thrive in the utilities sector, using the skills and experience gained in our business,” Van der Walt adds.

The utility network management firm also recently onboarded 22 young people from the Youth Employment Service. These young people will gain exposure and experience in the utility management industry.

The CEO says that RMS has been bringing young people from YES since 2019 when it welcomed 11 young people.

“We are proud to be associated with this initiative and have witnessed the ability of the YES programme to leapfrog young people out of their economic circumstances. By giving talented young individuals future-proof experience and skills, we hope to create a multiplier effect in the utility management industry,” the CEO concludes.