How were interns selected?
Acorn Technologies invited applications for the 2005/2006
programme (pilot intake) through a national call in late
2004 and received over 200 applications. From this
a shortlist of 20 were selected. A thorough screening process
followed, including in-depth interviews, and culminating
in a core group of 13 interns being selected. Finally,
the participating host organisations were involved in the
selection process, to ensure that interns and host organisations
were appropriately matched such that both parties could
derive maximum benefit.
What are the eligibility criteria for interns?
- Desirous
of hybrid skill set
- 18-35
years of age
- South
African nationality
- Ideally
PDI or female
- Entry
level tertiary qualification of undergraduate science,
engineering or technology course
- Preference
given to candidates with work or commercial experience
- Must
be able to meet the selection criteria applicable to
the technical content [WITS Management Advanced Program]
- Must
be able to commit to a 1-year fulltime contract
- Motivated,
self-starter with entrepreneurial qualities
What is the selection process by which interns are chosen
for the Internship Programme?
Successful applicants are short-listed for an interview
process. Selection is then based on academic achievement,
interests in science industry, and future career plans.
Acorn Technologies will then work with host organisations
to match interns to appropriate projects within an organisation.
What is the profile of the current (2005/2006) interns?
The 13 interns in this 2005/2006 pilot year intake are
employed in a range of life science firms around the Western
Cape. The following charts summarise the 2005/2006 Intern
profile.
What is the time commitment required for the technical
content?
Where feasible, efforts are made to minimise the time-off-work
of the interns. Accordingly, interns are expected to sacrifice
some of their vacation/leave time as well as participate
in certain tuition activities after hours. It is estimated
that the internship technical content (MAP through WITS;
life skills through Learn to Lead) amounts to approximately
20 workdays out of the office.
What is the length of the Internship Programme?
The Internship Programme lasts for a year.
What are the responsibilities of interns during their
internship placements within participating host organizations?
All interns are expected to demonstrate initiative and
enthusiasm about their host organisation and the programme,
and must complete all work required/assigned by the host
organisation as per their job description. Interns are
expected to maintain a professional attitude and respect
the traditions and customs of their host organisation.
What industries are covered in the programme?
Medical devices, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and other
cross-cutting sectors relevant to life sciences.
Will there be more internship available next year?
Ultimately, the availability of the internship programme
for the 2007 intake will depend on the sourcing of sponsorship
for the programme, plus the level of support it receives
from key stakeholders such as national government, the
sectors that the programme serves, and Intern candidates
themselves.
What role does Acorn Technologies play after the Internship
Programme?
Acorn Technologies is not responsible for Interns finding
employment, but will assist interns securing employment
and/ or extending their contract with the host organisation.
