We chat to Colette Atkinson about how she came to PMI, what she enjoys most in her role as management executive of PMI commercial, her view on 2012 and how she plans to spend the upcoming festive season.

Tell us a little about your history within the Adcorp Group.

My first job after my studies was as a receptionist / recruitment consultant at Quest Staffing Solutions (then Quest Personnel) in 1984. I stayed with Quest and was promoted within the business. Before I left Quest I was appointed as regional manager for KZN and then general manager of the Quest Learning Institute in which role I managed one of the first ever learnerships for the company, a project involving more than 1800 learners.

How did you arrive at PMI?

Adcorp wanted to commercialise the learnership model and implement it across all Adcorp businesses, therefore the Quest Learning Institute was integrated into PMI.

What do you find most rewarding and most challenging in your role as management executive of PMI commercial?

I love the variety my role offers, I enjoy the strategic consulting with clients and the solution development gives my creative and conceptual talent expression.
I enjoy the operational side of staff management the least.

What do you believe the answer to South Africa’s skills shortage is?

The basic education system is not setting an adequate foundation for learners to fully benefit from the importance of vocational learning. Basic literacy and numeracy skills are exceptionally low and this creates the need for significant bridging on numeracy and literacy training before the full benefits of vocational training can be realised.

What is the biggest difference PMI is making?

We transform the lives of the disadvantaged and provide hope and a belief in the future.

What do you believe are the PMI highlights of 2011?

• Change in leadership of the blue collar RPL,
• Internal restructuring to inculcate a more performance driven culture,
• The incorporation of Prior Learning Institute and in so doing, the establishment of our very own Academic Centre of Excellence.

What does 2012 hold?

• Greater economies of scale,
• Improved training for our internal staff and
• Continued growth within our market sectors.
• Quality!!!

What are your festive season plans?

My family, close friends and I are going to the north coast (where there is no cellphone coverage) for some sun and fun.  This is my favourite local holiday destination.