A Great opportunity for paid Internships in ICT companies of Kosovo.
The EU funded Project “ICT for Kosovo’s Growth” creates a dynamic, where the fresh perspectives of newly trained individuals meet with the seasoned expertise within local ICT companies. The Project starts a Unique Internship Scheme to provide advanced ICT skilled workforce to selected ICT businesses in Kosovo with aim to bridge the digital and business skills gap in a sustainable way that meets the needs of the market.
The objectives of the Internship Scheme are the professional development of certified trainees and the support of the competitiveness of Kosovar ICT businesses with modern ICT skilled workforce.
Advanced trained and Certified trainees through a five months (300 hrs) training in Cyber Security, Web Application Development, Enterprise Java & Mobile, Python programming, Big Data Analytics, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence will be funded by the Project to gain professional learning experience and practical work in ICT companies. This endeavour will be realised through the organisation and implementation of 40 meticulously structured internships, targeting highly scored certified trainees who have demonstrated exceptional aptitude and commitment during their participation in the ICT training courses of the Project.
The implementation of this Unique Internship Opportunity in ICT industry of Kosovo’ , supporting highly scored certified trainees with 3-months paid internship by the Project starts in February 2024 with the Call for Applications for ICT companies and Call for Applications for the best certified trainees to participate in the Internship Scheme.
The Project will select the best-certified trainees to participate in the ICT for Kosovo’s Growth Internship Scheme and match them in cooperation with the ICT companies that will cooperate with the Project to start their 3-monthly paid internships from April 2024.
Criteria, Methodology of Selection
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants for Internship Scheme are:
• Certified trainees of the 7th semester of ICT training who are unemployed jobseekers and are not students.
Criteria for the selection of applicants/certified trainees
The selection criteria will assist to identify trainees who not only possess strong ICT skills, but also demonstrate the potential to make a significant contribution to the host companies and gain the most from the internship experience.
The below criteria will be included in the Application form for the Selection of certified trainees,
Specific ICT skills and technologies, as demonstrated by certified trainees i.e. certifications, practical assignments, assessment of exams/projects and general performance during the ICT training. Scores (points) - Weight 60%
A degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field (graduated 7 points, post graduated 10 points) - Weight 20% The best-certified trainees will be short-listed based on the above Criteria.
Good communication skills are very important ensuring the candidates possess strong communication skills, enabling them to articulate their ideas clearly and collaborate effectively with team members, stakeholders and clients. Assessing the trainees’ motivation and commitment to their professional development and their enthusiasm for participating in the internship scheme. For the assessment of the Communication skills, motivation and commitment the candidates will be requested to record a short motivational video (40- 60 seconds). Weight 20%
A Project Committee, based on the-second video recorded by the Candidates themselves, will assess the communication skills, motivation and commitment of the selected candidates. Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed for final assessment and evaluation.
The Project will also ensure that the process promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities, encouraging the participation of trainees from diverse backgrounds and giving due consideration to affirmative measures for underrepresented groups.
Priority Groups
i.e. if two candidates of different gender are equally scored, preference shall be given to the female candidate.
The Project will evaluate all the applications that will be submitted based on the eligibility and selection criteria published in the Call for Applications.
Throughout the process, the Project will maintain standards of confidentiality, ensuring that each trainee is given a fair opportunity to compete and that the selection is solely based on merit, aligning with the overarching goal of enhancing the competitiveness of Kosovo’s digital businesses.
How many applicants will be selected to participate in the Internship Scheme?
The goal is to select 14 Interns for the first period of the Internship Scheme (starting from April-’24)
Matching the Selected interns with ICT Companies – Tripartite agreement
Immediately after the evaluation and selection of candidates, the Project will contribute to the matching of the candidates with the ICT companies by supporting the trainees to communicate and connect with the host ICT companies participated in the Internship Scheme.
A standard tripartite agreement template that will outline the general terms and conditions of the internship, including the duration, the roles and responsibilities of the trainee, the host company, and the project, as well as the support mechanisms in place for the trainee.
The signing of a tripartite agreement among the project, the selected trainee, and the host ICT company will be the formalisation of the internship arrangement through. This agreement is crucial as it delineates the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of each party, ensuring a clear, structured, and mutually beneficial internship experience.
Each agreement will be customised to reflect the specific details of the individual internship, including any special requirements of the host company, the specific objectives of the internship, and any personal development goals of the trainee. This customisation ensures that the agreement is relevant and tailored to the needs of all 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 the signing of the agreement, the intern starts the internship in the host company. The placement of selected trainees in ICT companies will be based on the internship positions offered by the ICT companies. The selected trainees with the assistance of TAT, will select the most suitable for them offered positions. The Project will maintain regular contact with both the intern and the host company. Throughout the 3-month period, the interns’ progress will be closely monitored, and they will receive support and guidance from both the host company and the TAT, when necessary. This ongoing support and monitoring are critical to address any issues promptly and to ensure that the internship is progressing as planned, providing a valuable and constructive learning experience for the trainee.
The ICT for Kosovo’s Growth project will promote and disseminate the internship scheme and results achieved.
Assessment of internships’ results
As the internships progress, periodic evaluations will be scheduled. These evaluations will involve feedback sessions with the trainees and their mentors in the host companies. At the end of the internship, we will conduct an assessment process, involving both quantitative and qualitative measures, to capture a comprehensive picture of the internship results.
The assessment that is planned to be conducted should have a starting point, a “baseline assessment”. Through this baseline form/study, each trainee’s skills and the specific objectives of the host companies will be identified and the outcomes will serve as a reference point against which the progress and development achieved during the internship can be measured.
At the conclusion of the internship, a final assessment will be conducted.
Where to Apply?
You can apply in the form by clicking the button below
Deadline for application: 18/03/2024