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Investec Azure Excellence Programme

Investec Azure Excellence Programme

Building Cloud Capability Through Real Work Integration

Powered by Deviare's RealWork Studios™

Executive Overview

Transform your Azure capabilities with a holistic approach that combines expert technical leadership, professional training, and real project delivery through our innovative RealWork Studios™ model.

🎯 Strategic Objective

Build sustainable Azure expertise within Investec while delivering immediate business value through live project implementation.

💡 Key Differentiator

RealWork Studios™ ensures learning happens on real business projects, not theoretical exercises, driving genuine capability development.

📈 Measurable Outcomes

Certified professionals, completed business projects, reduced cloud costs, and accelerated digital transformation initiatives.

Programme Highlights

  • Dedicated Senior Azure Solutions Architect for 12 months
  • Comprehensive Azure training for 20 professionals
  • Co-created Azure projects integrated into assessments
  • 8 funded graduate interns with Azure specialization
  • Work-integrated learning model (RealWork Studios™)
  • Microsoft-aligned certification pathways
  • Ongoing mentorship and technical support
  • 135% BBBEE procurement recognition

Why This Matters for Investec

Traditional training creates knowledge gaps between learning and application. Our RealWork Studios™ approach embeds learning directly into your business context, ensuring skills are immediately applicable and retained. Your team learns by doing - on projects that matter to Investec's digital agenda.

RealWork Studios™: The Game Changer

"It's not training. It's transformation in action — embedded in your business, guided by experts, and built around your priorities."

What Makes RealWork Studios™ Different

Traditional Training Approach

  • ❌ Passive work shadowing
  • ❌ Generic tasks or assignments
  • ❌ Classroom theory then work
  • ❌ No structured support
  • ❌ Lack of outcome measurement
  • ❌ Standardized models

RealWork Studios™ Approach

  • ✅ Embedded in real business-critical projects
  • ✅ Custom co-created initiatives aligned to strategy
  • ✅ Learning while doing with real-time feedback
  • ✅ Assigned Deviare Coaches + secure project labs
  • ✅ Objective-based scorecards tied to KPIs
  • ✅ Adapted to client policies and platforms

The RealWork Studios™ Framework

1
Strategic Co-Creation

Projects selected & scoped with business leaders. Success metrics defined.

2
Secure Tools Setup

Delivered within client IT environments or secure Deviare containers.

3
Coach Connect™

Expert coaches support through check-ins and problem-solving sessions.

4
Impact Review

Business deliverables, skill scorecards, and KPI alignment.

Enterprise-Grade Assurance

Concern Deviare Solution
Data Privacy Client-hosted or anonymized project environments with full compliance
IP Ownership Client retains 100% ownership of all work delivered
Security Containers (AWS, Azure Labs, VMs) with compliance governance
Policy Alignment Fully aligned to internal governance, platforms, and security protocols

Applied to Your Azure Training

Each of the 20 professionals in your Azure training programme will work on real Investec Azure projects as part of their summative assessment. These aren't simulations - they're actual business initiatives co-created with your technical leaders. Projects might include cloud migration workstreams, infrastructure optimization, security implementations, or application modernization efforts. Your training investment delivers both skilled professionals AND completed business outcomes.

Programme Components

Component 1

Azure Technical Leadership

12 Months

Dedicated Senior Azure Solutions Architect embedded at Investec to drive project implementation and provide technical guidance.

Component 2

Professional Training

20 Professionals

Comprehensive Azure training across three levels with RealWork Studios™ integration and Microsoft certification.

Component 3

Graduate Interns

8 Interns

Funded Azure specialists providing project support over 6 months with minimal cost to Investec.

Component 1: Azure Technical Leadership

Senior Azure Solutions Architect - 12 Month Placement

Role Purpose: Provide expert Azure technical leadership while guiding the RealWork Studios™ projects and supporting team development.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead real-time Azure project implementation aligned to business priorities
  • Architect cloud solutions following Microsoft best practices
  • Oversee RealWork Studios™ project selection and co-creation
  • Provide technical mentorship to training participants
  • Conduct code reviews and architecture assessments
  • Drive Azure adoption and optimization across the organization
  • Knowledge transfer and documentation
Expected Deliverables:
  • Completed Azure migration or modernization projects
  • Architecture documentation and best practice guidelines
  • Infrastructure-as-Code templates and automation scripts
  • Security and compliance frameworks
  • Performance optimization recommendations
  • Quarterly progress reports and knowledge sharing sessions

Component 2: Azure RealWork Studio Programme (20 Professionals)

Complete Microsoft Azure Certification Portfolio

All certifications include: Official curriculum • Live virtual classes • Practice labs • Mock exams • Exam voucher • 12-month mentorship • RealWork Studios™ project

FUNDAMENTALS

AZ-900

Azure Fundamentals

16 hours • Entry point for all Azure journeys

R20,025

Prerequisites: None
Best for: New to cloud, business stakeholders, project managers

ASSOCIATE

AZ-104

Azure Administrator

32 hours • Manage Azure resources & infrastructure

R39,550

AZ-204

Azure Developer

32 hours • Build cloud applications & solutions

R39,550

AI-102

Azure AI Engineer

32 hours • Design & implement AI solutions

R39,550

DP-203

Azure Data Engineer

32 hours • Implement data engineering workloads

R39,550

Prerequisites: AZ-900 recommended
Best for: Technical professionals, developers, administrators

EXPERT

AZ-305

Azure Solutions Architect

32 hours • Design enterprise Azure solutions

R40,050

AZ-400

Azure DevOps Engineer

32 hours • Design & implement DevOps practices

R40,050

SC-100

Cybersecurity Architect

32 hours • Design security & compliance solutions

R40,050

Prerequisites: Relevant Associate certification
Best for: Senior technical roles, architects, security specialists

Personalized Learning Pathways

We tailor the training journey based on each participant's current certification status and career objectives. Below are example pathways:

Pathway A: Complete Beginner

Current Status: No Azure certification
Career Goal: Cloud Administrator
Step 1: AZ-900 Fundamentals
Build foundational cloud knowledge
Step 2: AZ-104 Administrator
Master Azure infrastructure management
Total: R59,575
6-9 months with RealWork Studios™

Pathway B: Has Fundamentals

Current Status: AZ-900 certified
Career Goal: DevOps Engineer
Step 1: AZ-104 Administrator
Infrastructure management foundation
Step 2: AZ-400 DevOps Engineer
Expert-level DevOps practices
Total: R79,600
8-12 months with RealWork Studios™

Pathway C: Developer Track

Current Status: No certification
Career Goal: Cloud Developer
Step 1: AZ-900 Fundamentals
Cloud concepts & services
Step 2: AZ-204 Developer
Build & deploy cloud applications
Total: R59,575
6-9 months with RealWork Studios™

Pathway D: Data Specialist

Current Status: AZ-900 certified
Career Goal: Data Engineer
Step 1: DP-203 Data Engineer
Data pipelines & analytics solutions
Total: R39,550
4-6 months with RealWork Studios™

Pathway E: Solutions Architect

Current Status: AZ-104 certified
Career Goal: Enterprise Architect
Step 1: AZ-305 Solutions Architect
Enterprise solution design
Total: R40,050
4-6 months with RealWork Studios™

Pathway F: AI Specialist

Current Status: No certification
Career Goal: AI Engineer
Step 1: AZ-900 Fundamentals
Azure platform foundation
Step 2: AI-102 AI Engineer
Design & implement AI solutions
Total: R59,575
6-9 months with RealWork Studios™

Customized Skills Assessment

Before programme start, we conduct comprehensive skills assessments to:

  • Identify current certification status and technical capabilities
  • Understand individual career aspirations and role requirements
  • Align training pathways with Investec's strategic Azure initiatives
  • Recommend optimal certification sequences for each participant
  • Design RealWork Studios™ projects that match learning objectives

Result: Each of the 20 professionals receives a personalized training plan that maximizes learning efficiency and business impact.

What Every Certification Includes:

  • Microsoft official curriculum license
  • Live virtual classes with global experts
  • Hands-on practice labs in Azure environment
  • Mock examinations and official exam voucher
  • 12-month mentorship programme
  • RealWork Studios™ project assignment
  • Progress tracking and reporting
  • Digital badge and certificate upon completion

RealWork Studios™ Project Integration:

Each certification path includes real Investec projects:

  • Administrator: Infrastructure optimization, resource management
  • Developer: Application modernization, API development
  • AI Engineer: AI/ML model deployment, cognitive services
  • Data Engineer: Data pipeline development, analytics solutions
  • Solutions Architect: Enterprise architecture design, migration planning
  • DevOps: CI/CD pipeline implementation, automation
  • Security: Security architecture, compliance frameworks
Learning Experience Platform: Participants access Deviare's integrated cloud-based platform featuring self-paced modules, live virtual sessions, downloadable resources, practice labs, and progress tracking - all aligned to Microsoft certification standards.

Graduate Intern Programme

8 Azure-specialized graduate interns for 6 months - substantially funded by Collective X, providing Investec with exceptional value and fresh talent at minimal investment.

Programme Overview

📊 Funding Model

Collective X Contribution:
R69,000 per intern
Investec Supplement:
R5,000 per month
Total Investec Investment:
R30,000 per intern (6 months)

🎯 Intern Profile

  • STEM graduates with aptitude for cloud technologies
  • Completed Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) training
  • Working toward Associate-level certification
  • Assigned to RealWork Studios™ project teams
  • Mentored by Senior Azure Architect
  • Potential for permanent placement post-programme

What Interns Deliver

Project Support

Hands-on contribution to Azure projects including infrastructure deployment, automation scripting, documentation, and testing.

Fresh Perspectives

New graduates bring current academic knowledge, enthusiasm, and innovative thinking to technical challenges.

Scalable Capacity

Additional team members to accelerate project delivery without the overhead of permanent hires.

Exceptional ROI

For just R240,000 total over 6 months, Investec gains 8 dedicated Azure specialists - effectively R5,000/month per resource. This represents a 90%+ cost reduction compared to market rates for Azure resources, while advancing ESG objectives and building a potential talent pipeline.

Intern Journey

Month 1

Onboarding, tool setup, project assignment

Months 2-3

Active project work, skill development

Months 4-5

Increased autonomy, certification prep

Month 6

Project completion, assessment, placement discussions

Investment Breakdown

Component Pricing

Component Details Unit Price Quantity Total
Azure Technical Leadership Senior Azure Solutions Architect (12 months) R160,000/month 12 R1,920,000
Azure Fundamentals Training AZ-900 + License + 16hrs virtual class + exam + mentorship R20,025 Variable Per participant
Azure Associate Training AZ-104 + License + 32hrs virtual class + exam + mentorship R39,550 Variable Per participant
Azure Expert Training AZ-400 + License + 32hrs virtual class + exam + mentorship R40,050 Variable Per participant
Project Management & Reporting Governance, progress tracking, risk oversight, reporting R60,075
Graduate Intern Programme 8 interns × 6 months (Investec supplement only) R5,000/month 8 × 6 R240,000

Example Investment Scenario

20 Professionals: Mixed Certification Levels

8 × Fundamentals (AZ-900): R160,200
8 × Associate (AZ-104): R316,400
4 × Expert (AZ-400): R160,200
Azure Technical Leader (12 months): R1,920,000
Project Management & Reporting: R60,075
Graduate Interns (8 × 6 months): R240,000
TOTAL INVESTMENT: R2,856,875

Flexible Configuration

The 20-person training allocation can be customized based on your team's current skill levels and target capabilities. We'll conduct initial assessments to recommend the optimal mix across Fundamentals, Associate, and Expert tracks.

What's Included

Training Components:

  • Microsoft official curriculum licenses
  • Live expert-led virtual instruction
  • Cloud-based learning platform access
  • Practice labs and Azure sandbox environments
  • Mock examinations and official exam vouchers
  • 12-month mentorship programme
  • RealWork Studios™ project integration
  • Progress tracking and reporting

Support Services:

  • Dedicated programme manager
  • 24/7 technical platform support
  • Expert Azure coaching and guidance
  • Project co-creation and scoping
  • Regular stakeholder reporting
  • Intern recruitment and onboarding
  • Performance assessments and feedback
  • Certificate and compliance documentation

Programme Timeline

Month 1: Programme Initiation

  • Contract finalization and kick-off meeting
  • Azure Technical Leader onboarding
  • Skill assessments for 20 professionals
  • RealWork Studios™ project identification
  • Graduate intern recruitment begins

Months 2-3: Foundation Phase

  • Fundamentals (AZ-900) training commences
  • Initial Azure projects scoped and initiated
  • Learning platform deployment
  • First cohort of interns onboarded
  • Technical Leader begins project implementation

Months 4-6: Development Phase

  • Associate (AZ-104) training in progress
  • RealWork Studios™ projects in full execution
  • First certifications achieved
  • Interns integrated into project teams
  • Mid-programme review and adjustment

Months 7-9: Advancement Phase

  • Expert (AZ-400) training underway
  • Advanced project deliverables
  • Intern project contributions maturing
  • Knowledge transfer sessions
  • Additional certifications completed

Months 10-12: Consolidation Phase

  • Final certifications and assessments
  • Major project completions and handovers
  • Intern programme conclusion and evaluations
  • Comprehensive programme review
  • Sustainability planning and next steps
  • Final documentation and reporting

Flexible Delivery Options

Training can be delivered in cohorts or staggered starts based on business needs. RealWork Studios™ projects can be aligned with your existing initiative timelines to maximize business impact.

Value Proposition & Expected ROI

This isn't just training - it's a strategic capability investment that delivers immediate business value while building long-term organizational expertise in Azure.

Measurable Business Outcomes

20 Certified Azure Professionals

Building a certified team reduces dependency on external resources and accelerates transformation initiatives.

6-8 Completed Projects

Real business projects delivered through RealWork Studios™ provide tangible returns during the training period.

8 Trained Interns

Pipeline of Azure talent for future hiring needs, assessed through real project work.

Strategic Benefits

Immediate Impact

  • Senior Azure expertise from Month 1
  • Active project delivery throughout programme
  • Skills applied to real business challenges
  • Cloud optimization and cost savings
  • Enhanced security and compliance
  • Accelerated digital transformation

Long-Term Value

  • Sustainable in-house Azure capability
  • Reduced reliance on external consultants
  • Faster project delivery and innovation
  • Knowledge retention and institutional expertise
  • Talent attraction and retention advantage
  • Competitive edge in digital services

Comparative Value Analysis

Scenario Traditional Approach Deviare Programme Advantage
Azure Expertise Hire permanent senior resource: R1.8M+ annually + benefits + recruitment Embedded expert + team training: R1.92M (12 months) Team capability built, not just one hire
Training Delivery Standard courses with no business integration RealWork Studios™ with project delivery Learning + business outcomes simultaneously
Project Resources 8 Azure contractors at market rates: R500K+/month 8 funded interns: R40K/month total 92% cost reduction for project capacity
ESG Contribution Limited youth development impact 8 graduates trained + work experience Significant social impact + BBBEE value
Overall: Capability building + business delivery + talent development in one integrated programme

BBBEE & ESG Value

Enhanced B-BBEE Recognition

135% Procurement Recognition

Deviare is 100% Black-Owned, Level 1 BBBEE (AAA) Contributor

Skills Development Points

Training investment qualifies for B-BBEE Skills Development scorecard

Youth Employment Impact

8 graduate interns contribute to socio-economic development goals

Why Deviare

Proven Track Record

  • Over 10,000 youth trained across Africa
  • 500+ corporate employees upskilled
  • Partnerships with Microsoft, AWS, IBM
  • Trusted by leading enterprises
  • Presidential 4IR Commissioner (founder)

Unique Methodology

  • RealWork Studios™ work-integrated learning
  • Project-driven skill development
  • Embedded coaching and support
  • Enterprise-grade security and compliance
  • Measurable outcomes and reporting

Ready to Transform Your Azure Capabilities?

Let's discuss how this programme can be tailored to Investec's specific needs and strategic priorities.

Contact
Baxolile Mabinya
baxolile.mabinya@deviare.africa
Next Steps
Schedule Discovery Call
Programme Customization

Deviare: Driving Digital Transformation in an African Context

www.deviare.africa | connect@deviare.co.za