Who actually employs the Intern?
All interns are employed by a host organisation and according
to that organisation’s own employment policies and
criteria. Acorn does not get involved with this in any
way other than to ensure that such policies and processes
are in accordance with Legislation and so forth.
What are the benefits for intern host organizations participating
in the Hellfire programme?
Acorn Technologies is jointly subsidising the employment
of the Intern at the host organisation for 1 year. According
to the intern selection process, the host organisation
has a say in the intern it will employ, i.e. there should
be a match between the intern’s experience and skills
and the needs of the host organisation.
The organisation will benefit from significant pre-competitive
collaboration with other stakeholders in the life sciences
sector by virtue of the workshops, training modules and
other group based interventions. The intern, and any employees
in the host organisation that choose to participate in
the technical content of the programme, are afforded a
Certificated Programme offered by a reputable Tertiary
Training Institution, equivalent to Masters level training.
Who or what are internal mentors?
The host organisation is expected to select a representative
from within that organisation to act as an ‘internal
mentor’ to the intern. The intern must also
be supervised by a mentor. Supervision includes providing
the intern with assignments and guidance, signing the Intern’s
weekly timesheets, and completing evaluations of the Intern’s
performance. Mentors may elect to accompany Interns
on the technical content of the Hellfire Programme.
Is the relationship between Acorn Technologies and the
host organization contract based?
Acorn expects every host organisation to sign a binding
legal agreement that stipulates the relationship, obligations & responsibilities
from both parties etc.
Can the host organization take on more than one (1) Intern?
Yes. However, the salary subsidy, itself subject
to certain conditions, applies only to 1 Intern, in other
words the host organisation will carry the full cost of
any additional Intern’s salary. The host organisation
may split or distribute the salary subsidy across all its
interns.
Can a host organization extend an internship or stay
longer?
The internship is year programme, which does not secure
any extension. Of course, the host organisation is free
to extend an offer of employment to the Intern at the conclusion
of the year-long programme.
Can the host organization ‘fire’ the Intern?
Yes. Recruitment is on the basis of a formal contract.
The term of the position is for 1-year only in the first
instance. It is a contract position. Notwithstanding the
host organisation’s Policies and Processes, the Law
governing employees is the same and basic rights are upheld.
In the event an intern transgresses, commits an offence
or such like, a standard procedure is adopted. This may,
subject to the extent or degree of the transgression or
offence, result in dismissal. Hopefully, if we have selected
and pre-matched the right potential interns to the host
organisation that the probability of such an event declines,
but it of course remains possible.
What are the obligations of the host in respect of attendance?
All host organizations and their relevant executive and
staff must attend the Launch, Graduation and any other
event where the intern is either showcased or presents
the outcomes of assignments, Business Plans, Case Reports
or other experiential learning.
Can an organization host an intern even if it is not
a formal client of Acorn Technologies?
Yes.
