OutSystems SA, which launched an internship programme in June 2017, targeting IT graduates with a three year diploma or degree, preferably in Software Development, has successfully placed its first six graduates, with another eight due to graduate at the end of 2017.
The company cites the growing skills shortage and lack of private sector internships, particularly for software developers, as a major motivation for the programme.
“Our programme is geared not only towards addressing the skills shortage, but also providing IT graduates with exposure to, and experience working on a platform that simplifies application development,” says Craig Terblanche, regional director for OutSystems SA.
The OutSystems SA internship has been designed to provide both work experience, and technical training, to IT graduates, who might otherwise struggle to meet the requirements from businesses, that want developers with on-the-job experience.
Ädds Terblanche: “Three months of intensive training followed by two months on-the-job work experience, is one way in which we are hoping to bridge the gap between what employers need and what graduates have to offer.”
Four programmes will run in 2018 with six interns for each session. The company has indicated that it has filled all 24 spots currently available and believes that there is a significant opportunity for large enterprises and/ or software development houses, to have access to a pool of talented graduates who are competent and OutSystems certified.
“We are excited about the otherwise untapped potential that our internship programme has already uncovered, and are encouraged by the achievements of our graduates. We remain committed to finding innovative solutions to overcoming challenges not only for the ICT industry, but for our clients embarking on a digital transformation process, that requires a changing and adaptable skills set,” concludes Terblanche.
