A generous donation of over R2 million will ensure that Chemical Engineering and Chemistry students secure internships within the industry.
With the current economic situation, many companies have been unable to carry the financial cost of student internship positions.
As a result, many students have been battling to find internships, which are a key component of all courses at CPUT.
But thanks to the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA), students are now assured of internships.
Manager of Co-operative Education, Fundiswa Nofemela, says the funds will allow CPUT to place students in the workplace, as well as cover the cost of their monthly stipends.
“The companies have always been willing to take students, but could not pay them. Out of this funding, we will cover the placement of 70 students,” she says.
Nofemela, who worked closely with the various departments in securing the funding, says this is a huge boost for the Work Integrated Learning programme, as a portion of the funds will be used to roll out a customized training programme for industry mentors.
“We identified a need to train industry supervisors who work closely with students. The training will equip them to be more effective in mentoring our students. We need to be sure of the training our students are getting in the workplace,” she says.
The training is a first for CPUT and will also play a major role in helping CPUT to strengthen ties with the industry.
Head of the Chemistry Department, Dr Bhekumusa Ximba also welcomed the funding.
Dr Ximba says students are required to spend a year in industry, during which they must complete a number of tasks, including a research project.
He says the funding will go a long way to ensure that students meet the requirements of their course.
By: Candes Keating
Written by CPUT News
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