The EU-funded Project “ICT for Kosovo’s Growth” is creating a dynamic environment where freshly trained individuals meet the expertise of local ICT companies. The project has launched a Unique Internship Scheme aimed at providing an advanced ICT-skilled workforce to selected ICT businesses in Kosovo. This initiative helps bridge the digital and business skills gap in a sustainable way that aligns with market needs.
The main objectives of the internship scheme are:
Certified trainees will have completed a five-month (300-hour) ICT training program in areas like Cyber Security, Web Application Development, Enterprise Java & Mobile, Python Programming, Big Data Analytics, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence. These trainees will gain hands-on experience through 40 carefully structured internships. The internships will be available to the highest-scoring trainees who showed exceptional aptitude and commitment throughout the training.
The Unique Internship Opportunity offers selected trainees three-month paid internships with Kosovo’s leading ICT companies. The internship program begins with a Call for Applications for both ICT companies and the top certified trainees who will participate in the scheme.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants for Internship Scheme are ICT Companies from Kosovo.
Eligibility Criteria
Criteria for the selection of host ICT companies:
The selection criteria will assist to assess and identify host ICT companies that possess the capacity and facilities to host the certified trainees of the EU funded Project “ICT for Kosovo’s Growth” and assist the Interns to gain the most from the internship experience.
The below criteria will be included in the Application form for the Selection of host ICT companies:
Selection of ICT companies willing to participate in the Internship Scheme
The selection of ICT companies to participate in the Internship Scheme will follow the eligibility and selection criteria mentioned earlier.
First, the Project will create a shortlist of host ICT companies based on the information provided by the companies.
The Project will then reach out to the shortlisted companies with a tailored approach. This communication will emphasize the benefits of the Internship Scheme specific to each company’s profile and needs. It will highlight how hosting a trainee can bring fresh perspectives, contribute to ongoing projects, and help support the next generation of ICT professionals in Kosovo.
The Project will evaluate the companies’ willingness to contribute to the scheme’s objectives. The selection will also consider their enthusiasm for the program and their understanding of the scheme’s benefits and requirements.
After receiving positive feedback and initial commitments, the Project will finalize the list of participating companies. The goal is to select 14 ICT companies to host interns.
Matching the Selected interns with ICT Companies – Tripartite agreement
Once the evaluation and selection of candidates is complete, the Project will assist in matching selected host ICT companies with certified trainees who will participate in the Internship Scheme.
A standard tripartite agreement template will outline the general terms and conditions of the internship. This will include details on:
The signing of the tripartite agreement between the Project, the selected trainee, and the host ICT company will formally establish the internship. This agreement is crucial for clearly defining the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of each party. It ensures a structured and mutually beneficial internship experience.
Each agreement will be customized to reflect the specific details of the individual internship. This includes any special requirements from the host company, the objectives of the internship, and the trainee’s personal development goals. This customization guarantees that the agreement is relevant and tailored to the needs of all involved parties.
When will the internships take place?
Immediately after the sign of the tripartite agreement, we estimate that this will be from 1 April to 30 June 2024.
Placement of selected trainees in ICT companies – Implementation of internships
After signing the agreement, the intern will begin their internship at the host company. The placement of trainees in ICT companies will depend on the internship positions available at the host companies. With the assistance of TAT, the selected trainees will choose the most suitable positions based on their skills and preferences.
The Project will stay in regular contact with both the intern and the host company. Throughout the 3-month internship, the intern’s progress will be closely monitored. The intern will receive continuous support and guidance from both the host company and TAT, whenever needed. This ongoing support is essential for addressing any issues quickly and ensuring that the internship is progressing as planned, offering a valuable learning experience for the trainee.
The ICT for Kosovo’s Growth project will actively promote and share the results of the internship scheme, ensuring that its successes are widely recognized.
Assessment of internships’ results
As the internships progress, the Project will schedule periodic evaluations. These evaluations will include feedback sessions with both the trainees and their mentors at the host companies.
At the end of the internship, a comprehensive assessment process will take place. This process will use both quantitative and qualitative measures to evaluate the overall results of the internship.
The assessment process will begin with a baseline assessment. This initial evaluation will identify each trainee’s skills and the specific objectives of the host companies. The baseline data will serve as a reference point for measuring the progress and development achieved throughout the internship.
At the conclusion of the internship, a final assessment will be conducted to evaluate the trainee’s overall performance and the success of the internship.
Where to Apply?
You can apply in the form by clicking the button below