“If you pass this interview, we will contact you for a psychometric test, and two more technical interviews before we offer you the job”—said the HR manager and this was Hastings’ first awakening experience as a GT (Graduate Trainee) at Lake Harvest. It made him realize how big, focused and seriously committed the organization is by carrying out such a tough recruitment regime.

 A properly conducted induction period for a month opened doors for interaction with colleagues at all levels, from the last cleaner to the CEO. Familiarizing with the workforce helped the GT to understand not only how procedures are done but also why. This widened the GT’s scope in understanding the fish value chain as well as the socio-economic relevance of Lake Harvest to Zimbabwe.

For a GT, Lake Harvest is like a pressure inducing device, with a goal to create ‘think-tanks’, people who are able to lead now and in future. Lake Harvest looks to create group leaders, not foremen and this is done by ensuring that the GT attains hands on experience in various sections of the organization.

A GT is always freighted with tasks and assignments and meeting deadlines is crucial. This adds much to time management skills, prioritizing, pressure handling traits and personal effectiveness in daily planning as there is need to balance between work stuff and personal assignments.

 Lake Harvest GTs get exposure to important systems software like Pastel, Aqua manager and NAV and all these decision-making support systems program aid in ranking, prioritizing, planning and problem-solving tendencies. At the end a GT will not only be an effective employee but a better citizen as well. However, Lake Harvest can invest more in GTs through trainee workshops especially outside Kariba as this will be an opportunity for the trainee to source more constructive ideas outside.