Internship programmes can benefit businesses in various ways, address skills shortages in the country and give back to South African society. But internships aren’t without their challenges as they take careful planning to implement. So is an internship right for your business or is there another solution? Sean Sharp, Executive Head of Sales for EduPower Skills Academy says that while some companies offer quality internships, just as many get it wrong. “Internships make business sense as they are a cost-effective way of bringing more people on board,” Sean explains. “But ask your team if they enjoy hosting interns and you’ll probably get a different response. In reality, an intern often adds more work than return.” What is an Internship? Internships are relatively common and candidates usually have completed a diploma or degree. They allow inexperienced graduates to gain practical experience in the workplace, often in an entry-level position and industry that’s suited to their qualification. The duration of an Internship can range from a few weeks to 12 months and it’s up to the employer to choose whether interns are paid. If they are fortunate, graduates will land an internship that offers a stipend, enough to cover transport and food but whether paid or unpaid, internships give candidates a foot in the door in their chosen industry. “For companies, despite the challenges, internships are still one of the most feasible ways to discover young talent. They give someone with little experience the chance to add value to your business while…
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