With over 16 years’ experience in software development, Tania van Wyk De Vries, founder and CEO of software development and training company, Infoware Studios, knows first-hand what it takes to thrive in the world of software development. Frustrated by the level of technical skills students have coming out of tertiary institutions, Tania launched “Digital Geekaship” in 2014.
The annual internship programme, Digital Geekaship, is designed to fast track the growth path of graduates by upskilling them on the latest technologies, methodologies and soft skills, enabling them to work on real-world development projects and connecting them to potential employers. University and Technical Vocational and Education Training (TVET) graduates and undergraduates can apply to be considered for the programme which covers six development areas:
* Agile software development using the Scrum methodology.
* Technical software development skills in a programming language of the interns’ choice including software development practices and principles.
* Testing: end-to-end manual functional testing.
* Business analysis: definition of requirements using agile techniques.
* Scrum master: deep dive in being a good Scrum master.
* Personal development focused on soft skills required to be a productive team member.
Applications for the 2017 programme are open to all graduates in South Africa and interested applicants have until 30 October 2016 to apply. Interviews will take place in Johannesburg between 1 September 2016 and 30 November 2016. Participation in the programme is free, but the attendees need to cover their own travel and accommodation costs.
According to van Wyk de Vries, South Africa’s tertiary institutions have curricula that are out of touch with what the workplace requires. The exponential rate of change and pace of innovation happening in the ICT sector is widening the skills gap between what our tertiary institutions are producing and the skills that companies need to build productive capacity.
Companies outsource software development projects to Digital Geekaship on a commercial basis for the interns, trainers and mentors to work on, which helps with real work experience that the student gets to add to his/her CV and introduces the student to a network of companies.
The programme is also a talent pool for organisations who are looking to employ software developers, testers or business analysts. Or alternately a creative hub for like minded techies who want to pursue an entrepreneurial career.
For more information about the programme and to apply visit http://www.digitalgeekaship.co.za/apply.
