NQF Level 5
Henley Work Readiness Programme.
Your ultimate power-up. Build a career & life beyond the ordinary with a global business school that has your back.
Next intake 10 March 2025 / Download a brochure →
Career Readiness Programme.
If you are a recent school-leaver looking to enter the workforce, a young adult wanting to explore a non-traditional learning path, or an aspiring young entrepreneur looking for a business skills boost, the Henley Business School’s Work Readiness Programme is for you.
Stand out in the job market by getting a qualification from a top global business school that employers recognise and value. This year-long journey will give you skills you can use and give you the space to explore your strengths – while having a lot of fun in the process! You’ll gain confidence and direction so you can start to build a career and life that is purposeful and fulfilling.
91 %
of HCMP graduates report a positive career impact within 6 months of completion.
1 No.
Highest ranked business school with a campus in Africa (FT Executive Education rankings 2024).
75 Yrs
of developing global leaders who make an impact.
1 No.
MBA business school in South Africa (pmr.Africa).
Theo Raphala
“The culture is very encouraging and embraces lifelong learning which is very motivating for successful learning.”
Refilwe Lekitlene
“Henley has become my way of living, it is my spiritual journey to the world of greatness.”
The Henley Work Readiness Programme: Pause. Plan. Prosper.
This one-year undergraduate programme, equivalent to a first-year at university, blends real-world projects with essential skills, setting students apart in a noisy job market. Parents, give your young adults the edge they need. Students, build the skills that will get you seen at work and help you craft a life of purpose. Employers, discover ready-to-go talent. With flexible learning and expert educators and mentors, our graduates emerge not just ready but eager to make an impact.
Six reasons to study the Work Readiness Programme at Henley Business School Africa
Great campus vibes
Our modern, safe and attractive campus is conveniently situated in the north of Johannesburg.
Start at the top
Build your professional network from day one with a top-ranked global business school. Henley’s 100,000-strong global alumni community can open doors for you.
Learn your way
Online and in-person classes taken part-time let you balance school with life.
Skill up. Rise up
Gain practical experience and earn industry-recognised digital certificates that you can display on your CV or social media and use to build your employability.
We’ve got your back
Benefit from personalised support, academic tutoring, group coaching, and career guidance. We’ll help you to understand yourself and others better so you can be a better leader.
Build a life of purpose
Be part of a business school that believes in building a better future. We stand for sustainability and ethical business.
Six reasons to study the Work Readiness Programme at Henley Business School Africa
Great campus vibes
Our modern, safe and attractive campus is conveniently situated in the north of Johannesburg.
Start at the top
Build your professional network from day one with a top-ranked global business school. Henley’s 100,000-strong global alumni community can open doors for you.
Learn your way
Online and in-person classes taken part-time let you balance school with life.
Skill up. Rise up
Gain practical experience and earn industry-recognised digital certificates that you can display on your CV or social media and use to build your employability.
We’ve got your back
Benefit from personalised support, academic tutoring, group coaching, and career guidance. We’ll help you to understand yourself and others better so you can be a better leader.
Build a life of purpose
Be part of a business school that believes in building a better future. We stand for sustainability and ethical business.
Is this an accredited programme?
Yes, this is a Higher Certificate in Management Practice (HCMP) qualification that is accredited by the Council on Higher Education at NQF Level 5 (ID 102107) and carries 120 credits. This programme is equivalent to the first-year of university.
How much time do I need to set aside to study?
This is a part-time programme that will run over 11-12 months. You will need to set aside 20 full days to attend classes on campus and also make time for home study and group check-ins online.
How is my work assessed?
You you will be required to complete a mix of assignments, group projects, work experience presentations and exams. Plus, you can earn exclusive digital certificates through our learning partners to increase your employability.
Is this an accredited programme?
Yes, this is a Higher Certificate in Management Practice (HCMP) qualification that is accredited by the Council on Higher Education at NQF Level 5 (ID 102107) and carries 120 credits. This programme is equivalent to the first-year of university.
How much time do I need to set aside to study?
This is a part-time programme that will run over 11-12 months. You will need to set aside 20 full days to attend classes on campus and also make time for home study and group check-ins online.
How is my work assessed?
You you will be required to complete a mix of assignments, group projects, work experience presentations and exams. Plus, you can earn exclusive digital certificates through our learning partners to increase your employability.
Please note that this credit can be used for admission into an NQF-level 6 – diploma level – programme, including Henley’s RISE! Advanced Certificate in Management Practice. According to the individual institution's policies and discretion it could also be used to transfer to another related programme at second-year level.
HCMP Modules: Portfolio Learning at Its Best.
Build your skills and performance over five modules designed by an international business school that understands how to get the best out of people. Henley Business School has been building purposeful leaders who make an impact in the world for more than 75 years. Our graduates are very employable. Plus, after gaining some work experience, you can return to Henley and make your way up our ladder of learning to a degree-level qualification.
1. Fundamental management concepts
Learn how to be work-ready and effective in the workplace.
You will gain:
- Skills for the new world of work
- Personal mastery and accountability
- Knowledge of how businesses really work
- Ability to manage decisions, projects and teams
- A bias for action
2. Systems thinking & business
Discover how to think well with depth and clarity.
You will learn about:
- Understanding complexity and difficult challenges
- AI, digital productivity, digital organisation and data
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
- Personal mastery, thinking and problem-solving
- How to apply this in the world of work
3. Fundamental business acumen
Be immersed in simulations and master essential business skills in finance, operations, and marketing.
You will learn about:
- Managing money well, both for personal and business finance
- How businesses work: operations for success
- Marketing magic and logic
- How to turn ideas to action through a micro-business project
- The entrepreneurial mindset
4. Working with people
Enhance your personal branding and learn how to be a team leader – and member – and how to show up well at work and build career success.
You will learn:
- How to build great relationships
- How you fit with your brand
- Performance mindset
- Psychological literacy
- How to think well collectively
- All about impact, voice, and presenting
- Critical problem-solving tools
5. Action Learning Project
A real-world team project as a ‘flight simulator’ for solving complex workplace challenges.
You will gain:
- Skills in writing project briefs
- The ability to diagnose problems better
- Experience in creating and implementing a solution
- The arts of discipline, observation and learning through action
- Experience in presenting to senior managers, with impact
1. Fundamental management concepts
Learn how to be work-ready and effective in the workplace.
You will gain:
- Skills for the new world of work
- Personal mastery and accountability
- Knowledge of how businesses really work
- Ability to manage decisions, projects and teams
- A bias for action
2. Systems thinking & business
Discover how to think well with depth and clarity.
You will learn about:
- Understanding complexity and difficult challenges
- AI, digital productivity, digital organisation and data
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
- Personal mastery, thinking and problem-solving
- How to apply this in the world of work
3. Fundamental business acumen
Be immersed in simulations and master essential business skills in finance, operations, and marketing.
You will learn about:
- Managing money well, both for personal and business finance
- How businesses work: operations for success
- Marketing magic and logic
- How to turn ideas to action through a micro-business project
- The entrepreneurial mindset
4. Working with people
Enhance your personal branding and learn how to be a team leader – and member – and how to show up well at work and build career success.
You will learn:
- How to build great relationships
- How you fit with your brand
- Performance mindset
- Psychological literacy
- How to think well collectively
- All about impact, voice, and presenting
- Critical problem-solving tools
5. Action Learning Project
A real-world team project as a ‘flight simulator’ for solving complex workplace challenges.
You will gain:
- Skills in writing project briefs
- The ability to diagnose problems better
- Experience in creating and implementing a solution
- The arts of discipline, observation and learning through action
- Experience in presenting to senior managers, with impact
*The only international quadruple-accredited business school in Africa.
*The only international quadruple-accredited business school in Africa.
Programme Information.
Our curriculum provides space to explore your strengths and consider the direction you’d like your career to take.
Entry Requirements.
- A National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification at NQF level 4
- Students will need to access a place of work or project where they will be required to apply the tools they learn in class. This could be part-time work, a family business, volunteering at a non-profit or a passion project that they will be able to tap into throughout the year.
All applicants must submit:
- A completed application form
- A certified copy of a South African identity document, or passport
- A certified copy of your National Senior Certificate
- Current CV
- One reference form
Please read the admission requirements and application form notes before submitting your application.
Start your application today
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Henley Work Readiness Programme fee for 2025: R69,500 (VAT exempt)
At Henley, we are committed to providing our students with flexible financing options. Whether you’re an individual in need of finance or an organisation motivating for an increase in budget, we’re here to help.
Please click here for information and advice.
Should you require any further information about our Work Readiness Programmes, email us at UG.admissions@henleysa.ac.za.
Next intake: Starts on 10 March 2025
STUDY BLOCKS |
DATES |
WEEKDAYS |
TIME |
MODULES |
BLOCK ON |
Week 1: 10 – 11 Mar 2025 |
Mon – Tue Tue – Wed Tue – Wed Mon |
W1: 2 Full days |
Fundamental management concepts |
BLOCK TWO |
Week 1: 27 – 28 May 2025 |
Tue – Wed Tue |
W1: 2 Half days |
Systems thinking and business |
BLOCK THREE |
Week 1:11,13,14 Aug 2025 |
Mon, Wed, Thurs Mon, Tue, Thurs |
W1: 1 full day, 2 Half days |
Business acumen |
BLOCK FOUR |
Week 1: 4 Nov 2025 |
Tue |
W1: 1 Full day |
Working with people |
BLOCK FIVE |
Week 1: 2 & 4 Feb 2026 |
Mon & Wed |
W1: 2 Full days |
Action learning and presentations |
Why choose Henley.
Imagine being surrounded by bright minds and faculty, learning from experienced educators and business people who have seen it all. Discover your potential in a supportive yet challenging environment where knowledge meets action. This isn’t just a business school, it's a launchpad for your dreams.
Here's why choosing Henley sets you apart:
Globally recognised:
We're the first quadruple-accredited international business school in Africa, a mark of exceptional quality.
Level 2 B-BBEE certified:
We're committed to diversity and inclusion, empowering future leaders who reflect the world.
Caring, challenging, whole-person learning:
We go beyond theory – develop practical skills, confidence, and a global perspective in a family-friendly and supportive environment.
High-touch, high engagement:
Get personalised attention from our learning experts and forge connections with a vibrant community.
Powerful alumni network:
Join a network of over 100,000 changemakers across the globe, opening doors to new opportunities.
Your qualification, your passport:
Unlock a world of possibilities, propelling your career to new heights.
Join the next Work Readiness Programme info session.
Still have questions? Please join our next info session to get a taste of what the Henley learning experience has to offer, meet the team, and ask all your burning questions.
Next Session
Date: 28 November 2024
Time: 14:00 - 15:00
Location: Online Via Zoom
your hands
Meet Keoagile Mampane & Pranish Behary who are here to help if you have any questions or need help in signing up for this programme.
Individual enquiries please speak to Keoagile on keoagilem@henleysa.ac.za. Corporate enquiries please email Pranisha on pranishab@henleysa.ac.za.