The overarching goal of tertiary education is to equip students with the theoretical basis of knowledge and understanding in pursuit of a specific career. However, unemployment rates continue to hit new record highs worldwide such as 30.5% in Kosovo, 28.7% in South Africa and 16.9% in Greece.[1] Internships offer students and recent graduates a bird’s eye view of an industry, specific office culture and the required practical skills.

As much of an opportunity as this is for interns, internships can be equally as beneficial for companies. From a business perspective, interns can bring fresh ideas, increase the level of productivity, make room for innovation and bring a general sense of enthusiasm to the workplace. The potential for a win-win scenario is almost evitable!

Since launching the Energy Pioneers Program (EPP), the EPP team looked at 3 reasons why interns are beneficial to the companies that they work for:

Test-drive the talent of young individuals:

In any field of work, especially in the energy sector, it is important to reach out to the upcoming generation. Despite the youth being the future of the industry, young individuals bring a lot to the table. Interns generate new ideas, provide insight into current trends and may change a company’s way of thinking or augment current protocols. Internships present an opportunity for companies to invest in these bright, young individuals and to discover quality talent for your future workforce by evaluating their potential for full-time employment. 

Increase productivity in the workplace:

By training and mentoring interns, your business becomes marketable in a completely different way. Employees tasked to train and mentor interns are ignited with passion for the work that they do. Thereby increasing not only the employees’ productivity but also the productivity of the interns. This interaction of knowledge-sharing further boosts productivity in terms of which employees are not overburdened by side projects, may find new solutions to existing challenges and may have more time to complete high-level tasks. 

Improve the overall work environment:

As the workload of employees is lightened, employees may have more mind space for creativity, more time to pursue new business leads or simply feel less overwhelmed. This coupled with the enthusiasm, determination and youthful disposition of interns improves the overall work environment. Therefore, internships create a happier and healthier workspace for all.

With the above benefits to consider, all companies are encouraged to host internships. The African Energy Chamber assures stability and success during the process. Furthermore, the Energy Pioneers Program seeks to find intelligent, determined, and curious young individuals for your company.

If you are interested in onboarding an intern and becoming a host company, contact internship@energychamber.org or caitlin@energychamber.org today! #ChamberNews | #EPP | #EnergyPioneersProgram