From Learners To Leaders: Phillip And Mpho’s Journey To Permanent Employment At Progression

Several years of growth, determination and dedication have turned two young learners into valued permanent members of the Progression team.

When Phillip Gulane and Mpho Khumalo first joined Progression in 2020, both were at the beginning of their professional journeys. Phillip had recently finished high school, while Mpho was unemployed and looking for an opportunity to gain work experience and build a career. Neither could have known just how much they would grow, how many skills they would develop, or how their journeys would unfold.

On 1 October 2026, their hard work and commitment paid off when both were offered permanent positions at Progression. Their stories are a powerful reminder of what can happen when young people are given an opportunity to learn, supported by the right mentors, and willing to put in the work to grow.

Starting Out with a Willingness to Learn

Phillip joined Progression in 2020, straight out of high school. With no previous work experience, he describes himself at the time as a shy, reserved young man who was nervous about entering the working world but eager to learn.

Mpho also started at Progression in 2020, having been unemployed before joining the organisation. For Mpho, the opportunity provided a chance to gain practical experience, develop professionally and begin building a future.

Both learners started in the Quality Management department under the mentorship of Sandile Khumalo, then Quality Manager. The experience they gained in those early years laid the foundation for careers that would eventually take them in different directions across the business.

Building Skills and Taking on New Challenges

Throughout their time at Progression, both Phillip and Mpho completed multiple qualifications while gaining valuable workplace experience. Their journeys were about much more than studying towards certificates. They were given opportunities to take on responsibilities, explore different roles and put their learning into practice.

Alongside his studies, Phillip took on a variety of responsibilities. He assisted facilitators and learners in the classroom, delivered Workplace Readiness sessions, helped brand and design training materials, and worked as a Junior Quality Assurer. He also became involved in coordinating accreditation applications with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).

Each responsibility brought new opportunities to learn, but it was an unexpected turning point in January 2024 that would prove particularly significant. When Sandile left Progression, Phillip suddenly had to take greater ownership of the department’s work.

Reflecting on this period, Phillip says, “Suddenly the person I leaned on for guidance was gone, and I had to step up. There were moments of real fear and self-doubt. I worried that I wasn’t ready, that I would let the team and the learners down. Learning to trust my own judgement while still delivering high-quality work under pressure was the hardest, and most important, lesson of my entire journey.”

Mpho’s workplace journey included roles as Sandile’s Personal Assistant, Administrator for QCTO applications, Junior Facilitator and, most recently, Project Coordinator.

Moving into facilitation was a particularly rewarding experience, and Mpho initially imagined this would be her long-term career path. However, when an opportunity arose to join the Projects Team, Mpho grabbed it with both hands.

Mpho recalls, “I embraced the challenge and stepped out of my comfort zone. Looking back, it has been one of the best decisions for my personal and professional growth, as it has allowed me to develop new skills, take on greater responsibilities and discover strengths I never knew I had.”

The Power of a Mentor Who Believes in You

An important part of both learners’ stories is the influence of their mentor, Sandile Khumalo.

For Phillip, Sandile’s guidance helped him navigate the early stages of his career and encouraged him to keep pushing forward, even when the work became challenging. When Sandile left, the lessons he had imparted became even more important as Phillip learned to rely on his own judgement and abilities.

Mpho also speaks with deep gratitude about the role Sandile played in shaping the person and professional she has become. His encouragement, willingness to open doors and constant reminders to aim higher helped her develop confidence and pursue opportunities beyond the familiar.

One message from Sandile stayed with Mpho throughout the journey: that one day, senior leaders would notice the hard work and dedication she had put in.

Now, with both learners having secured permanent positions, that belief has become a reality.

Although Sandile is no longer with Progression, his influence remains an important part of their stories. Their journeys demonstrate the lasting value of mentorship, encouragement and creating opportunities for people to prove themselves.

From Learners to Permanent Employees

Today, Phillip has taken up the role of QMS Supervisor, where he is responsible for maintaining Progression’s Quality Management System and ensuring that quality processes, documents and records remain accurate and up to date. His responsibilities include coordinating QCTO accreditations, preparing for audits, checking learning materials and supporting the team in maintaining compliance and inspection readiness.

It is a significant achievement for someone who joined the organisation straight out of school with no work experience. The young man who once doubted whether he could manage greater responsibilities now plays an important role in maintaining the systems and standards that support Progression’s work.

Mpho has been offered a permanent position following the transition into the role of Project Coordinator. In this role, Mpho acts as the link between clients, learners and internal teams, coordinating projects from beginning to end. Responsibilities include managing project activities, maintaining relationships, addressing challenges and ensuring that project objectives are achieved.

Both roles reflect the progress they have made over the years, as well as the trust they have earned through their dedication, consistent performance and willingness to take ownership.

Progression’s Managing Director, Tarryn Mason, who has worked closely with both Phillip and Mpho, says their permanent appointments reflect qualities that are invaluable in any workplace: dedication, reliability and the ability to take ownership.

Tarryn adds, “Mpho is persistent, builds strong relationships and is someone you can trust to get on with the job without needing to be micromanaged. Phillip is consistent, meticulous and has an excellent eye for detail. They both share a quality that really stands out to me: when you give them a task, you can trust that they will see it through and make absolutely sure it gets done. That level of commitment and accountability is something every manager values.”

Looking Ahead

For Progression, Phillip and Mpho’s permanent appointments are a reminder of the value of investing in people and creating opportunities for growth. Their stories reflect what can be achieved when learnerships are supported by meaningful workplace experience, mentorship and opportunities to progress.

For Phillip and Mpho, 1 October 2026 marks an important new chapter. What began as an opportunity to gain qualifications and workplace experience has developed into a career, built on years of commitment, learning and perseverance.

Their journeys are still unfolding, but one thing is clear: they have both come a long way from the learners who first walked through Progression’s doors in 2020.

Congratulations to Phillip and Mpho on their permanent appointments! We are proud of how far you have come and look forward to seeing you continue to grow, contribute and make your mark at Progression.