Spescom DataVoice is the voice transaction management operation of JSE-listed Spescom.

Planning of the Spescom-DoC Internship Programme (SIP) has been underway for an extended period, and the first phase commenced in July this year, with eight interns being inducted for a period of six months.

Spescom DataVoice consultant, Rod Harker, has been appointed as mentor to the interns.

According to Harker the main goal of the project is to develop the local ICT workforce skills.

"SA annually produces a large number of graduates with the necessary third level qualifications for employment in the ICT industry. However, prospective employers require relevant work experience, as well as academic credentials," says Harker.

 "The SIP programme is designed to address this need. Spescom motivated its proposal to the DoC some time ago and has now acquired the necessary endorsement and co-operation to make it a reality. Graduates from the Institute for Satellite and Software Applications (ISSA) were invited to apply. After undergoing a formal selection process, the successful applicants have  have been placed in positions at Spescom DataVoice.

"The interns in the first programme have been split into two groups, working on different projects. The technical side covers system design, project management, ICT skills, software development and quality management.

"However, training in communication skills, group dynamics, leadership, motivation, planning and problem solving is equally important. These are life skills which play an important role in the real workplace, Harker says.

"Through the use of a mentor system, rather than just having experts giving lectures and demonstrations, we aim to equip the interns with expertise in critical thinking, leadership and work ethics, which are as important as technical skills in software design and development," he adds.

The SIP is monitored monthly, with a complete review at the half-way stage, and looks set to establish a paradigm for providing suitably qualified people with the abilities and experience to handle a typical work environment in a major company, Spescom says.

"By bridging the gap between an excellent education and the type of life skills that employers look for in their workers, the programme is intended to ensure that the local ICT industry pool is supplied with employees who can offer all the skills needed, rather than just technical knowledge," concludes Harker.