development
19 September 2006
Science and Technology (DST) Minister Mosibudi Mangena will officially
launch the 2006/07 Internship Programme (IP) on the 21 September 2006 at the
Farm Inn, Lynnwood Road, Pretoria East. An amount of R10 million was set aside
for this initiative .The internship programme initiative started in 2005 with a
budget of R3 million and an intake of 49 interns.
The DST in partnership with the National Research Foundation (NRF) entered
into an agreement to jointly implement the internship programme designed for
Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) graduates. The IP aims to bridge the
gap between theory and actual workplace requirements and to assist in equipping
unemployed graduates with the skills required in the workplace. Skills for
employability are enhanced through mentoring and coaching.
The main objectives of the IP is to increase the pool of human resources
available to the science councils, science institutions and the National System
of Innovation while responding to national priorities, as well as to provide
workplace experience and exposure to university graduates in various areas of
specialisation particularly in SET study fields that are critical to the
Science System.
These objectives are achieved through the provision of practical and
accelerated learning programmes, which build essential occupational
competencies required by the workplace thus, complementing theoretical
classroom based learning and enhancing employability of the interns.
The IP is also linked with the National Skills Development Strategy which
among others promotes employability and sustainable livelihood through skills
development and prioritises and communicates critical skills for sustainable
growth, development and equity.
One hundred and sixty-five unemployed graduates have been recruited and
placed in the department and associated science institutions and science
councils for the 2006/07 financial year. Of the 165 interns 80% are in SET,
Research and Development.
The envisaged outcome of IP is the science system being able to attract and
retain suitable candidates from the pool of interns thus, addressing the
shortage of skills and the scourge of unemployment, especially among young
graduates.
All media is invited to attend.
Enquiries: Nthabi Maoela
Cell: 073 648 2876
E-mail: Nthabiseng.maoela@dst.gov.za
Eleanor Mathole-Khiba
Cell: 082 591 1092
E-mail: Eleanor.mathole-khiba@dst.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
19 September 2006
Source: SAPA
