At NielsenIQ, preparing young talent for the workplace goes beyond technical skills – it’s about equipping learners with the confidence, professionalism, and adaptability to thrive in today’s ever-changing business environment.
That’s why we were approached by NielsenIQ to run the Business Administration (Legacy Seta Qualification) NQF 4 as a Workplace Readiness Programme. This programme was carefully designed for unemployed learners on 12-month contracts, balancing workplace integration with personal and professional growth.
Because QCTO qualifications can extend beyond the timeframe due to their exam requirements, the Business Administration NQF 4 was the ideal fit. Importantly, it has also been positioned as a stepping stone towards future upskilling opportunities, with learners able to progress to the Office Supervisor QCTO qualification as part of their career pathway in 2026/2027.
Going Beyond Business Administration: A Holistic Readiness Programme
What made this qualification unique was the inclusion of modules often overlooked in traditional training:
- Emotional Intelligence - helping learners understand how they “show up” at work and how to position themselves as professionals.
- Workplace Professionalism - developing confidence, communication, and ethics in everyday workplace interactions.
- Computer Literacy - building critical digital fluency to navigate modern work environments.
By combining technical administration skills with personal effectiveness, the programme gave learners the tools to not only perform tasks but also engage meaningfully with colleagues, managers, and clients.
What Participants Had to Say
Learner feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with recurring themes across three dimensions: facilitation, content, and application.
1. Facilitation that Inspires
- Clear explanations grounded in real-life examples.
- An interactive approach, with open discussions and group participation.
- A safe, supportive environment where questions were encouraged.
2. Content that Resonates
- Understanding the business environment – economic, social, and technological influences.
- Recognising the roles of both internal stakeholders (employees, management) and external stakeholders (clients, suppliers, regulators).
- The importance of ethics, fairness, and integrity in sustaining trust and business success.
3. Application in the Real World
- Practising open and transparent communication.
- Speaking up about potential ethical issues.
- Adapting to external changes in the business environment.
- Leading with empathy, integrity, and a growth mindset.
Many commented that the training would not only help them as individuals but also strengthen teamwork, decision-making, and stakeholder relationships across their organisations.
A Pathway to the Future
While the Business Administration NQF 4 has delivered immediate workplace readiness benefits, it also serves as a launchpad for long-term career growth. Learners who complete this qualification can look forward to advancing into the Office Supervisor QCTO qualification in 2026/2027, a step towards leadership and management roles.
This layered approach ensures that talent pipelines are future-ready, giving organisations like NielsenIQ a sustainable way to grow and retain ethical, professional, and skilled individuals.
The NielsenIQ Workplace Readiness Programme proves that business qualifications can be more than just academic milestones. They can be life-changing experiences that prepare learners for real-world challenges, unlock leadership potential, and strengthen organisational culture.
By investing in both technical and human skills, NielsenIQ is shaping not just professionals, but future leaders who understand the power of ethics, communication, and adaptability in driving business success.
Contact Leverage Leadership to discuss how we can assist your organisation with its work readiness program.
