TNPA employs its biggest cohort of interns to address youth unemployment
Approximately 288 South African unemployed graduates have commenced a two-year internship programme, thanks to what Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) considers as its largest single recruitment activity executed across its port system designed to address the high rate of unemployed youth.
The young graduates who come from various port cities and nearby rural communities began their internship journey on 01 July 2022 and have been allocated to TNPA’s head office in Ngqura and its eight commercial ports, Dredging Services as well as Lighthouses and Navigational Services.
Nontobeko Buthelezi, General Manager for People Management at TNPA, said: “Whilst this is not permanent employment, these interns form part of the unemployed South African youth and we are doing our part in address this critical challenge faced by our country.”
According to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the first quarter of 2022, the age breakdown of the unemployed youth consists of 63,9% aged between the ages of 15 and 24 years with 42,1% aged between 25 and 34 years.
The new recruits join the business following a rigorous and intensive recruitment selection process, which started in March 2022. Recruitment process continues and will see an additional 112 to make the number of intakes to 400 interns.
“Our internships are foundational in preparing young graduates for the workplace and providing opportunities after graduation. This year’s interns will be given an opportunity to experience work at TNPA and shadow experienced professionals on strategic projects and maritime operations.” said Buthelezi.
The two-year internship programme will see the interns placed in various business units across the port system such as finance, engineering, commercial, marine operations, ICT, communications, safety and in other departments. The programme demonstrates TNPA’s commitment to address the socio-economic challenges faced by many South Africans.
Source & Photo ; TNPA
