Graduation ceremony

Igqwetha Training Academy ("ITA"), the training initiative launched in Cape Town by attorneys Buchanan Boyes Smith Tabata earlier this year, held a graduation ceremony for its first group of 12 students on 18 November. The course was a resounding success, with many of these students having found employment with Cape Town law firms even before the course was over.

ITA provides practical conveyancing training to those interested in becoming conveyancing paralegals. It gives bursaries to previously disadvantaged students, and trains students how to administer transfer, bond and cancellation files in conveyancing practices. Not only are the students taught how the various conveyancing processes work, which letters to write and documents to draw, they also receive training in the use of GhostConvey conveyancing software. Students gain practical experience in the form of simulated transfer and bond instructions. Where possible and if the students require, they are also offered the opportunity of job shadowing a "real life" conveyancing paralegal.

Says Lizelle Kilbourn, training director of ITA:
"We are very pleased with the results of our students and the feedback we have received from them and others enquiring about our courses have been very positive. There is a currently a high demand for quality conveyancing training and what we have to offer is hard to beat. Our training centre is well appointed, our course material is excellent and the students enjoy our style and level of lecturing. We believe that we truly empower, providing skills that are of immediate benefit to students and the conveyancing firms that employ them."

ITA offers full time (Mondays to Fridays, for 12 weeks) and part time (16 Tuesday or Thursday evenings) courses. The next full time course starts on 3 February 2005 and the next part time course starts on Thursday 3 March 2005. ITA is in the process of applying for SETA accreditation.

Lizelle says that ITA can also be of assistance to other conveyancing firms striving to provide their staff with continued conveyancing education. "Most firms do not have the time or inclination to design and present ongoing conveyancing seminars to conveyancing employees. Yet they realize that they need to comply with training requirements and also do not want to miss the opportunity to claim skills levy refunds. ITA is perfectly positioned to tailor-make short courses and seminars on a variety of conveyancing topics, ranging from basic to advanced levels. We offer real education and training, not just the formalities of going through the motions."

Information about ITA can be found on the website buchananboyes.com by following the link to Igqwetha Training or phone Lizelle/Damien on 021 406 9176