University of the Western Cape Interns Acquire Invaluable Work Experience

These young men and women received comprehensive training across UWC’s faculties and departments, and now possess valuable work experiences to showcase on their CV’s as they embark on the search for employment.
 

At an event to celebrate the occasion, Executive Director for Human Resources Meko Magida was beaming with pride as he addressed the group. “It’s a very important programme and I had the opportunity to brag about it when the Deputy President of the country was here at UWC. I told him and the Director General of that office about this programme and how well UWC is doing. They were excited and said it is something they want to be involved in,” said Magida.

Magida inspired the group to not only set career goals when they leave UWC but to also give back in any way possible. “This is one of our flagship programmes. You have to fly as high as eagles and reach the heights that you have set your sights on. The power of earning something is giving. The more you give back the more you will receive in return. Do what your mentors and coaches have done for you and share your skills and what you have learnt with others.”

Dr Kate Philip, the Programme Lead for the PESP, reminded the former interns that they are part of a much larger economic project. She said: “In October 2020, this programme was part of the package that the government introduced to help society recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. PESP has actually delivered nearly a million jobs since inception, and you are now counted amongst these numbers.”

In total, PESP has created more than 946 000 jobs and UWC has been actively participating in this programme every year. Impressively, 65% of those given employment opportunities were women, while 81% were youth.