It is already an established fact that internships are the best way to get professional workplace experiences. They are a vital practical addition to the theoretical training that students receive in colleges and universities. Added to the work experience, paid internships are a great way to earn extra income for students as well as a good addition to one’s professional portfolio. You may as well be able to land a permanent position at the place you are interning based on your performance there.
If you are interested in exploring your internship options in South Africa, then this article was designed especially for you. Below, we have provided you with a list of the ten best institutions that offer internship programs in South Africa. This is not a ranked list, and every institution is equally as good as the other.
1. South African Breweries (SAB)
The South African Breweries, commonly known as SAB, was established in 1895, and it is one of the largest breweries in the world. It has over 200 distinct brands and distributes its products in over 75 countries which spread across 6 continents. The company offers two levels of internships; the SAB graduate program and the CA training programme.
The latter allows accounting students to be able to gain experience and gain CA certification while the former is for graduate students who would like to venture to different career paths and ventures. The general internship lasts 18-24 months, during which students will be shuffled through different departments in order to get a feel of how the institution is run. The CA training lasts 3 years, during which interns would learn the ropes of the financial aspects of running the brewery.
2. SABC
SABC is the South African Broadcasting Corporation which is in charge of providing over 19 radio stations and 4 television stations to the South African public for viewing. As the state’s broadcaster, SABC provides a wide range of internship programs related to journalism and media. Interns can expect to gain experience in radio and tv broadcasting, tv and news presentations and many more. Interns can build themselves in a multifield career path that allows them to be able to be versed with several areas pertaining to media and broadcasting.
3. KPMG
KPMG international limited is a company that has network members all over the globe. What this company does is provides services to its clients such as tax and audit services as well as lowering the risk of investments while increasing profits through thoughtful investment opportunities. Given its line of work, the company offers an internship as well as learnerships in the following:
- External audit
- Forensic analysis
- Technology advisory
- Accounting
- Tax consultancy etc
This internship opportunity allows students to be able to work in their specific fields and a professional scene. It is also beneficial because interns’ benefits from mentorship.
4. P & G
Procter and Gamble is one of the world’s largest producers of dynamic consumer goods and has established individual brands such as Always, Oral B, Ariel, Pampers and many others. The company that has been in existence for over 118 years is committed to the training and development of the younger generation. It does so by offering internships to students in South Africa.
The internship program is geared toward giving students the opportunity to gain professional experience as well as act as a pre-selection process for the company to absorb young adults who are willing to develop their skills under the close supervision and mentorship of trained professionals.
5. Netcare
For medical students, Netcare provides a great internship opportunity for you to practice your profession. Netcare is known for being the largest private healthcare industry in South Africa. Its reputation comes from its over 55 hospitals and 338 operating centres in the country. Its separate service, known as Netcare 911 offers ambulances and helicopter emergency services.
Candidates that are interested in applying for internships at Netcare would have to tender applications within the following fields:
- Administration
- Pharmacy
- Critical care
- Emergency care
- Nursing
- Business management
The internships usually run for 12 months, and students applying for these internships would have to be upstanding students with good moral and ethical standards.
6. Santam
Santam is one of the most prominent insurance firms’ in South Africa, making insurance policies available to millions of South Africans in the country. If you are interested in accessing the world of insurance, then Santam provides an excellent opportunity to do so through internships. Santam internships run for a period of 24 months. Their customised internships programs also allow students to be immersed in internationally accredited courses as well as specialisations that encourage interns to build themselves personally and career-wise.
7. Transnet
Established in 1990, Transnet is a state-owned South African company that owns and manages railroads, pipelines and ports in South Africa. Delivery goods and services both nationally and internationally, the company is aimed at contributing to the economic growth of the country. It offers several internship opportunities to students in the following areas of interest:
- Aircraft artisan
- Electronic engineering
- Civil engineering
- Protection officer
- Metallurgy (physical)
- Chartered accounts
- Electrical engineering etc.
Their internship programs offer student working experience for a duration of 12 – 24 months.
8. Unilever
Unilever South Africa is a subsidiary company of Unilever PLC which is a global company over 100 years old. The company specialises in FMCG and owns many reputable brands. The company has several internship programs that offer students the opportunity to work and gain workplace experience. Depending on your career choices, you may be able to choose one of the fields that are of interest to you. If you don’t find any interest in the list provided below, please check the Unilever website for an updated list of offered internships each year:
- Marketing
- Information technology
- Finance
- Customer development
- Supply chain
- Human resources
- Brand development
- Research
Get a chance to pursue a career path in either of these fields by applying for an internship program at Unilever.
9. Investec
Investec is a banking and wealth management company. The company which was established in 1974, has grown to provide a variety of financial services to its international clientele that spread across southern Africa, Asia-pacific and Europe.
Investec offers its interns a unique work environment alongside three career paths to choose from. Interns can choose to specialise in their banking sectors, wealth and investment and asset management sector.
Interns will be able to gain first-hand experience from some of the best banking and wealth management experts in the country and pave a path to gaining permanent employment with this establishment.
10. Sasol
If your interest is energy, then Sasol is the ideal place for you. The South Africa based company specialises in chemical and integrated energy, providing oil and gas, fertilisers etc. its products range from products for industrial use down to household items such as nail polish remover. Its internship opportunities are available in the following fields:
- Rigging
- Control and instrumentation
- Welding
- Operating chemical plants
- Electrical operations
- Turning
- Boiler making
- Fitting etc
Sasol interns benefit from rigorous training on how to operate Sasol plants as well as the safety measures necessary for them to undertake. Interns also have the opportunity to be absorbed by the company if they perform well during the internships.
Also Read: Best Learnerships in South Africa
From health to sciences to the humanities, the list provides an opportunity for every student. Use your time to research these internships and work towards applying to whichever you desire. You can visit the ‘vacancies’ page on each of their official websites to find out about their available internship programs.
