Atlas Copco Internships Programmes - paving future career paths of unemployed learners

Atlas Copco South Africa’s Internship Programme is an excellent initiative that provides unemployed learners with a unique opportunity to gain invaluable, hands-on experience in the workplace. First adopted in 2015, the six-week Internship Programme exposes the learners to a functioning business environment by presenting them with a platform to shadow various job functions and roles within our organisation. Kathryn Coetzer adds that they also interact with employees from all levels within the company as well as with customers and suppliers. “We invite learners aged between 18 and 35 who have successfully completed the academic component of a business-related Diploma such as marketing, human resource and business management, through a TVET college to our Internship Programme.” Coetzer explains that the learners are required to submit a motivational letter along with their application which she stresses is one of the most important criteria for selection. “We look for a group of dynamic and talented individuals who are really eager to grab this opportunity with both hands. Their passion and enthusiasm must shine through.” Coetzer also points out that work experience is not a requirement. The hand-picked interns are divided into groups before being given a themed project to work on for the duration of the programme. The theme for 2015 was ‘employer branding – what can Atlas Copco do differently to attract young talent?’ and ‘reception as brand ambassadors for Atlas Copco’ was the topic for this year’s interns. They are given various training and development opportunities from internal subject matter experts as well as NQF-aligned skills programmes from accredited training providers. At the end of the programme the interns are expected to put forward a project presentation to a panel of judges. Human resources and line management are invited to these presentations and interns are encouraged to use this opportunity to market themselves and apply for a longer duration internship within Atlas Copco. Coetzer also affirms that all interns who successfully complete the programme are given in-service letters as acknowledgement of the training provided by Atlas Copco. Currently five individuals from the 2015 Programme are enrolled on formal eighteen-month internships with the company and are ensconced in Training & Development, Marketing & Communications as well as in Atlas Copco’s Distribution Centre. “Three interns are already six months into their internship. In November this year we decided to invite a further two from the 2015 programme who are presently gaining experience in the Distribution Centre.” The Internship Programme is a win-win for the company as well as for the interns as it holds tremendous advantages. “The programme resembles an extended interview and gives us a great branding opportunity where we get to interact with the interns and really get to know them. The caliber of the interns within the two programmes has been extremely impressive. But regrettably we are unable to offer all the interns future opportunities at Atlas Copco. For those who are not offered a longer duration internship, we believe that the practical experience they have gained through this Programme will help to lay a good foundation and facilitate their search for a career. For those successful interns the projects they were given to work on really do help us to pair longer-term opportunities with young individuals whose values align with those of Atlas Copco – interaction commitment and innovation.” The second Internship Programme was completed on 10th November 2016 with a brunch and prize giving to acknowledge the best group presentation as well as the top presenter. Wrapping up in typical Atlas Copco style, interns went go-karting and showed off their racing skills during a team building exercise. Four interns from the 2016 group were invited by Atlas Copco to enroll in the eighteen-month Internship Programme.