Feather in the cap for 2010/11 interns
For the 2010/11 interns, getting selected from 1 000 applicants who were all vying for 60 coveted internship slots was no mean feat but having gone about their allocated duties in their areas of deployment the way they did with so much determination and vigour was indeed a remarkable achievement.
For all their trouble, this lucky yet deserving bunch was conferred with certificates in a ceremony held on 25 October 2011 at 18 Jones Street in Nelspruit, further boosting their chances of getting permanent employment in the foreseeable future.
The Internship programme is government strategic intervention that deals with the problem of unemployment and skills shortage especially amongst the youth whereby young graduates are given an opportunity to gain practical work experience thereby bridging the gap between work and study.
For its part, the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Administration (DARDLA) has in accordance with the Skills Development act, 1988 (amended in 2008) since the inception of the Internship programme in 2008 been assisting unemployed graduates with requisite skills to enhance their employability.
Delivering a speech on behalf of DARDLA’s senior management Ms Hloni Thabethe had this message to convey. “The department is calling upon you to join us in creating a better life for the majority that constitute the workforce in the agricultural sector that has little access to primary health care, decent education and legal representation.
Partner us as we find solutions to the myriad social ills still faced by the industry tainting it to the point of being unattractive to young people. Your qualities are vital in transforming the industry as well as the rural landscape of the province. We know that young people are still faced with challenges in making an impact in the sector hence enterprise development is ongoing.
In this regard DARDLA will continue to support Agri Businesses of young people and we encourage those still without jobs to join structures like Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development and make use of programmes like the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme” Ms Thabethe said.
She finished by highlighting that the fact that 73% of the interns absorbed were able to find employment was a sign that suitable individuals were selected. “DARDLA is therefore proud to be associated with these incredibly talented, resourceful and hard working young people” concluded Thabethe.
