DRA Global, Nominee for Established ESG Leader for a Services Provider, 2024 Africa Award

About the Nominee & their Nomination

DRA Global Limited is an international multi-disciplinary engineering, project delivery and operations management group, predominantly focused on the mining, minerals and metals industry.

In the dynamic landscape of African mining and engineering, DRA Global is making waves not just through its projects, but through its profound commitment to nurturing the next generation of industry leaders. This Perth-headquartered international multi-disciplinary engineering group has set its sights on addressing one of the continent’s most pressing challenges: the shortage of skilled engineering professionals.

Initiative: Shaping Africa’s Engineering Future Through Education

At the heart of DRA Global’s initiative is a comprehensive suite of education and training programs that span the breadth of Africa. These programs, which form the cornerstone of their nomination for the Established ESG Leader Award, demonstrate a holistic approach to skills development that goes far beyond traditional corporate training.

The centrepiece of DRA’s educational efforts is its extensive 24-month graduate program, operated through its South African Projects division, SENET, and Minopex. This journey offers young engineers a unique opportunity to work on some of Africa’s largest mining projects, gaining hands-on experience across the entire project lifecycle – from initial studies through to operations and maintenance. The program covers a wide range of disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, metallurgical, chemical, and industrial engineering, as well as analytical chemistry, data science, quantity surveying, and industrial psychology.

What sets DRA Global’s approach apart is its emphasis on comprehensive support and mentorship. Graduates are surrounded by a network of project sponsors, talent management specialists, department heads, and professional engineers, all dedicated to guiding these young professionals towards achieving their Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) accreditation.

DRA’s commitment to education extends beyond the graduate level. The company has forged a powerful partnership with African Academy, one of the continent’s most respected technical colleges. This eight-year collaboration has resulted in 40 bursaries awarded in the past year alone, opening doors for students who might otherwise lack access to quality technical education. Furthermore, DRA maintains top-tier partnerships with universities in South Africa, supporting new talent through career fairs and providing additional support to numerous tertiary institutions.

Recognising the importance of early career guidance, DRA also offers a job shadow program for high school students, helping them make informed decisions about their future in the industry.

The impact of these initiatives is tangible:

• 79 new graduates enrolled across the Group
• 23 internal promotions, showcasing a clear path for career progression
• Cross-border exposure, with Ghanaian graduates joining the South African program
• A remarkable 80% retention rate of Minopex program alumni in permanent positions

The value of these programs is best expressed by the graduates themselves.

As Nana Akrofi, one of the participants, puts it: “Our stay in South Africa was a very wholesome experience with many friends and experiences made, lessons learned and relationships we hope to build upon moving forward. I am very grateful for this experience.”

DRA Global’s approach to education and skills development in Africa is more than just corporate social responsibility – it’s a strategic investment in the future of the continent’s mining and engineering sectors. By addressing the skills gap head-on, DRA is not only securing its own pipeline of talent but also contributing to the broader development of Africa’s technical capabilities.

As the mining industry in Africa continues to evolve, facing challenges from technological disruption to environmental concerns, the need for skilled, locally-trained professionals has never been greater. DRA Global’s comprehensive educational initiatives are setting a new standard for how companies can contribute to sustainable development in Africa, truly embodying the principles of an Established ESG Leader.