Developing skills, growing communities

At The Biovac Institute, we recognise that we have an important role to play, not only in ensuring the continued health of our children and communities, but also in developing the skills and expertise available in the African biotechnology sector. Training and development are placed high on our list of priorities, not only to develop skills for ourselves, but also in response to the national biotechnology strategy in the country, as set out by the Department of Science and Technology.

As a result, we have dedicated resources (capital and human) into nurturing Southern African talent. We have instituted both Graduate and Internship programmes, which support both entry-level graduates and higher-level scientists working towards PhD degrees. We have forged close partnerships with several leading tertiary institutions to both promote biotechnology as a career to prospective graduates and to help stimulate the local ‘skills pool’. We also sponsor numerous initiatives that are designed to raise standards in maths and science at high school level.

Equally important in The Biovac Institute 2009—2013 Skills Development Strategy is internally-focussed training. We recognise that our employees are the core of our existence and our most valued and important stakeholders. Several initiatives that focus on job enrichment and skills development have been initiated in partnership with other international organisations.

A succession planning and mentoring program has been implemented to ensure talent is recognised and nurtured and expertise shared at every level of the organisation. We have also implemented job shadowing and rotational assignments to stimulate the sharing of skills and ensure employees have a well-rounded understanding of the human vaccines industry.

Overall, our goal is to make a positive, meaningful difference in the development of the region and the health of the communities we serve. As socio-economic studies have demonstrated, there is a direct, beneficial link between the economic growth of a nation and its fully immunised population. It is in this light that the provision of high quality vaccines to the African population is of paramount importance.


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