ICG Learning Solutions sets up KZN operation

ICG Learning Solutions has set up a Kwazulu-Natal presence, with the appointment of Jane Bruwer as business development manager in the region to focus on training and skills development for corporates and individuals in the financial services industry. Training is of critical importance for this industry in order to meet the looming deadlines of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act, which aims to upskill new brokers and professionalise the industry.

ICG Learning Solutions is the division of International Colleges Group working with Intec School of Insurance to offer learning solutions in response to government initiatives to upgrade national skills. The companys focus is to deliver customised learnerships and skills programmes in the financial services industry.

ICG Learning Solutions already has offices in both the Western Cape and Gauteng where the division has been growing from strength to strength but we are very pleased to announce that we will now also have a presence in KwaZulu-Natal through the appointment of Jane who brings with her over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry as well as an understanding of the complexity of the industry, says Nikki Wouterse, ICG Learning Solutions Chief Executive Officer.

With the FAIS Act creating a huge training focus in the financial and insurance sector specifically for advisers, she is the perfect candidate as her previous roles especially at Investec in KwaZulu-Natal gave her a good foundation in terms of the training needs of financial advisers in this province.

Bruwer found her path in 1990 when she joined UAL Merchant Bank as a client / broker liaison manager. Her responsibilities included setting up the Durban branch with regard to linked products, training investment advisers on linked products, handling and processing all new business and ensuring superior client service.

After a sterling performance in this role she was asked to play a key role on setting up a similar operation for Investec Bank in Durban, where she continued her excellent work as an executive consultant generating business and developing strong relationships with financial advisers.

Four years later, Bruwers focus had shifted to supporting fund managers marketing their local and international unit trusts to the broker community. Additional responsibilities included compiling a weekly newsletter and assisting with management responsibilities in the Durban and Pietermaritzburg offices.

Bruwers final role at Investec before joining INTEC School of Insurance was to utilize her experience to regain a position of strength for Investec in the Pietermaritzburg region. She in fact did so well in this position that for the financial year 2002/2003 she outperformed by budget by the highest percentage in the country.

After working with financial advisers in KwaZulu-Natal for so many years it is great to be able to now play a role in upskilling them not just on specific product knowledge, but in a more holistic way through an organisation with over 100 years experience, says Bruwer.

With a total of 100 000 active learners per year, ICG is a major role player in the education process. Wouterse explains, Our strong history pioneering distance learning in South Africa affords us the evolution into the flexible learning arena. Education diversity has resulted in a unique skills requirement in our country and ICG Learning Solutions can fulfil this role. Government is on a drive to educate with our resources we can be that vehicle for them.

Nozala Investments (a Black women empowered empowerment group) has a 26% shareholding in ICG Learning Solutions (Pty) Ltd.