KLCBT launches internship programme to foster business growth

The current unemployment rate in South Africa is breaching 30%.
The country lacks technical skills and employment opportunities. With this in mind, the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (KLCBT) has recently taken a significant step towards contributing to the growth and development of local businesses by launching a structured internship programme implemented by Internship Success.

Under the able guidance of Hendrik Janse van Rensburg, who has joined as the programme attaché, this initiative aims to create valuable opportunities for aspiring professionals while fostering economic progress within the community.
“We have identified a massive difference between an employee’s skills and the skills your company requires for a specific role. There are thousands of students who leave university without a lifeline,” said Janse van Rensburg, who recognises the immense potential of young talent.
He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to ensure its success. He has studied many research papers on the role of soft skills in practical training and has achieved what many have been struggling with for some time – integrating these principles (soft skills/emotional intelligence training) into a practical and technical programme so as to create a talent pipeline that powers growth and people empowerment within business.
With Van Rensburg’s guidance, interns can expect personalised mentorship, constructive feedback and tailored skill development opportunities. His commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment will create an ideal space for interns to thrive and evolve.
“One of the main goals of the internship programme is to offer valuable learning experiences to turn graduates into work-ready professionals,” he said. This can be achieved through the opportunity to work closely with established professionals, allow ing them to learn from industry experts, build their professional network, and close the skills gap.

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“It is essential to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience. By engaging interns in various facets of business operations, they will gain hands-on exposure to real-world scenarios that can equip them with essential skills and insights,” Van Rensburg said. “The structured internship programme intends to benefit not only the interns, but also the participating businesses. By welcoming fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, these companies can harness the energy and enthusiasm of young talent to drive growth, creativity and productivity within their organisations. It is an excellent example of how organisations can actively contribute to the development of their local community. By providing young professionals with opportunities to apply their knowledge in a practical setting, the chamber is nurturing a skilled workforce that will positively impact the region’s economic growth in the long run.”
By investing in the future generation, the KLCBT is paving the way for a vibrant and prosperous community.

For more information on how to participate in the internship programme or support this noteworthy initiative, interested individuals can contact Janse van Rensburg on hendrik@wopcoe.com.