CQR Johannesburg has always placed an emphasis on training and educating its staff in the field of shipping and logistics through the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers

One of its more recent students, far exceeded their expectations. Director Richard Brook-Hart FICS tells the story”Four years ago, Shirley Ntsoane worked as a cleaner in an office block in Johannesburg, a job that she had done for fifteen years since leaving school. Shirley though had greater aspirations, and encouraged by her friendly attitude and work ethic, Alpha Shipping decided to offer her a job as a receptionist in the Johannesburg office. From that moment on, Shirley began to learn a whole new set of skills, and encouraged by her progress, myself and the other management suggested she studied for the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Understanding Shipping Course. The course imparts a basic shipping knowledge, and is ideal for new entrants to the shipping industry, and to anyone in other professions who have close associations with shipping. It comprises of nine modules with written assignments, culminating in an oral and short written exam.”

“From the start, Shirley excelled, scoring high marks, and finally achieving an average pass mark of over 80%. We have now promoted Shirley to the position of Internal Sales Manager, where she continues to develop her passion for shipping, whilst retaining the humility of her origins.” Recently, Alpha Shipping flew Shirley to Durban, where she received her certificate from the President of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, Bruce Ogilivy FICS. Some of Shirley’s colleagues also attended the lunch in respect and recognition of Shirley’s achievement.