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26-YEAR-OLD Bryan Wilson is living his dream, thanks to Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe’s quest to grow its people by empowering young Zimbabweans. The leading financial services institution, which is wholly owned by Standard Bank South Africa, sponsored Wilson for seven years from Lower Six in 2007 right through to University which he attended at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Bulawayo.
Bryan graduated with a Bachelors of Engineering Honours Degree in Chemical Engineering.
“I had very good grades at Ordinary Level – 9 As and 1B, but being an orphan and with no source of funds for my ‘A’ Level, I approached Stanbic Bank seeking assistance. I was then advised that my application was successful on the strength of my performance and my social and financial circumstances. I am grateful to Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe for all they did for me and how their good gesture has opened doors for me,” beamed Bryan.
Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe invested $15 000 in Bryan Wilson for his education and the bank’s marketing and corporate communications manager, Mr Palmer Mugavha, said the bank through its corporate social responsibility initiatives, has been responsive to the needy for many years.
“Bryan Wilson is one of the many students we have helped over the years because Stanbic Bank strongly believes that education is the key to every child’s success. Stanbic Bank seeks to ensure long-term sustainability by harmonising the needs of our customers, our people and our shareholders and by being relevant to the societies in which we operate,” said Mr Mugavha.
Wilson said he had never looked back from the time Stanbic Bank laid the foundation for his academic pursuits.
He said he had one of the best research projects in the department and it was presented in the NUST 2nd Annual Research Day 2014 and published in the University Journal.
The Department of Chemical Engineering recommended him to pursue a Master of Philosophy programme where he is afforded a platform to research on alternative technologies for cleaner production specific to tanneries.
Given the harsh and difficult job market, Wilson initially went into consultancy work and was a consulting engineer specifically focusing on energy and effluent control technologies for the manufacturing industry.
“I was consulting with Paramount Clothing and Prestige Leathers in Bulawayo from 2014 up until Prestige engaged me permanently and I am currently the technical general manager responsible for all technical issues for the organisation.
“Prestige Leathers has 75 employees and I report directly to the managing director, while I have three middle line managers under me,” says Bryan.
He designed the organisation’s effluent treatment plant which deals with solid and liquid waste management in compliance with Environmental Management Agency (EMA) regulations.
Bryan acknowledges that the economic environment is not ideal for operating but says this begs for innovation and coming up with cost effective strategies that will ensure companies survive in this harsh environment.
“We now design processes that uses less chemicals and less time to produce a product of good quality and which can be affordable on the local market.
“We are working hard to put in place systems that are robust, cost effective, practical and applicable in the Zimbabwean operating environment and as a chemical engineer I interpret the financial cost of technical processes and ensure that we make a profit,” said Bryan.
The department of Textile Technology at NUST Zimbabwe has also invited Bryan to sit on its Advisory Board where he contributes towards development of a new degree in fibre and polymer engineering, and so has the Leather Institute of Zimbabwe who have invited him to sit in the Quality Assurance and Standards Certification Committee as well as their research and innovation committee.
Bryan’s star continues to rise as he is now also a member of the South African Institute of Chemical Engineers (SAICHE) and Institute of Chemical Engineers UK (ICHEME).
“I am also a coordinator of Touching Live Group (TLG) – a team made up of individual graduates and undergraduates who have a social responsibility programme. The team is responsible for career guidance, motivational sessions and financial assistance to students in disenfranchised societies,” said Bryan.
He says TLG has managed to carry out a number of sessions in Harare, Bulawayo, Binga and Gweru and is planning to reach out even more.
“For the significant assistance afforded to me by Stanbic Bank, I am committed to giving back to Society in any form or manner through any other volunteer programmes .”
Online Reporter