Coveted apprenticeship goes digital

New recruits: (From left) Anne, Nasiruddin Nasir, Joana Che Ern Tan, John Paul, Sharifah Sarah, Edgar Zhe Qian Koh, Michelle Yeong and Giridhran Palani have won the opportunity to be apprentices to Digi’s CXOs.

THE Covid-19 pandemic is no deterrent for Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd (Digi) to run the fifth instalment of its CXO Apprentice Programme.

Not only were the candidates recruited through online applications and assessments, the apprenticeship, which began last September, has been conducted fully digitally – both the first of its kind for the company.

Digi chief human resource officer Elisabeth Stene said she was amazed at how quick the young talents have adjusted to the fast-paced business conditions.

“Despite having to work from home most of the time, they have been able to gain hands-on experience, under the guidance of their CXO (chief officer) mentors, ” she said.

Stene added that the exposure and experience would serve the young apprentices well in their respective roles in the company once they have completed their apprenticeship in the middle of this year.

Dr Sharifah Sarah Syed Abdul Rahman is among the eight tertiary students selected from a slew of applicants.

An apprentice to Digi chief corporate affairs officer Joachim Rajaram, she has been given the responsibility to spearhead the company’s Yellow Heart sustainability project.

“Being part of a significant project is a humbling experience. It is also fulfilling as it resonates with me deeply.

“I am given the freedom to explore various opportunities. It is definitely a platform for me to grow not just in the corporate sector, but also as an individual, ” said the medical student from International Medical University.

HELP University psychology student Anne Selvam said the company’s measures to keep employees engaged has been one of the highlights of her apprenticeship.

“My favourite would be the company’s team building, which was done virtually. Despite the physical barriers, Digi managed to coordinate more than 1,000 staff members to participate in the online activities as a team, ” said the apprentice to chief sales officer Cheng Weng Hong.

Also a psychology student from HELP University, John Paul Felix values the opportunity to get involved in “real-life projects with real-life stakeholders”.

“It is daunting but it has instilled in me a sense of ownership, motivation and vigour to do well and to do my best. I’ve been able to learn and grow rapidly despite being in Digi for only five months, ” said John, who is mentored by Stene.

For details on Digi’s CXO Apprentice Programme, visit digi.my/cxoapprentice.