Softline Pastel launches Pastel Academy

Softline Pastel has recently launched the Pastel Academy. This initiative serves to identify and train new employees on behalf of Pastel channel partners in order to increase the level of skills within the market.

Steven Cohen, MD of Softline Pastel, says eight new trainees have been recruited to start the eight-week course and these trainees are scheduled to begin working at their respective channel partners in December.

"By listening to our partners and gaining insight into the industry, Pastel acknowledged that there is a shortage of skills in the market. We also realised that time and resources needed to train new employees are on the decrease. The Academy has therefore been established to assist channel partners in identifying and equipping new staff with the expertise and knowledge about Pastel and its products," he says.

Pastel Evolution, Pastel's high-end product that addresses the needs of larger organisations, was chosen as the focus for the first set of candidates. The process began in August with the selection of 10 channel partners who were chosen to partner with the Academy. These partners submitted their requirements in terms of the type of people and skills they needed. Pastel then identified 28 candidates who would possibly be a suitable match for the partners. Workshops were then held to test candidates accounting skills, soft skills and their ability to troubleshoot.

After the rigorous sifting process, eight candidates were selected for training and were then interviewed by the channel partners, Cohen says. Each candidate was also offered an employment contract by the channel partners.

"The eight candidates then began eight weeks of intensive training on the Pastel Evolution product. The cost of the training is covered by the channel partner who will employ them. In addition, the channel partner will pay their future employees a basic salary while they are being trained," Cohen says.

In December, the trainees will take up full-time positions at their respective employers. Pastel will then begin the process of looking for new candidates for the Academy. However, next year, the Academy will focus on Pastel's Partner product and the scope will be widened to include applicants from Durban and Cape Town, as well as the Gauteng region.

"Of all the candidates who apply, a maximum of 10 will be chosen to enter the Academy. Candidates will be hosted in Johannesburg for the eight weeks while they perform their training," he says.

The Academy will have an intake once a quarter and the focus of the training will be based on the needs within the market, Cohen concludes.