Media release

15 September 2006

New mentoring programme to help optimise skills development

Science and Technology (DST) Minister Mosibudi Mangena will officially launch the 2006/7 Internship Programme (IP) on the 21 September 2006 (12h00-14h00) at the Farm Inn, 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 specialization 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.

165 unemployed graduates have been recruited and placed in the department and associated science institutions and science councils for the 2006/7 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.

Issued by the Department of Science and Technology

For media enquiries please contact:

Nthabi Maoela

Cell: 073-648-2876

Nthabiseng.maoela@dst.gov.za

For more information about internship programme please contact:

Eleanor Mathole – Khiba

Cell: 082 591 1092

Eleanor.mathole-khiba@dst.gov.za