As from today, 3 February 2020, 56 new interns will start their 12-month internship with the City of Cape Town as part of the City’s Urban Sustainability Internship Programme (USIP).

‘The USIP is now in its 15th year and I’m proud to say that 470 interns have participated in the programme to date, with 87 of them now working permanently for the City. Today is a big day for our new group of interns. They will be placed at different City departments where they will have access to and learn from some of the best professionals in our country,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Councillor Sharon Cottle.

The City is funding the interns’ stipends, capacity-building training programme, recruitment and induction. The majority of these interns will be placed within the scarce skills categories such as economics, engineering, environment, heritage, renewable energy, urban design, landscaping, planning, surveying and architecture.

Each intern is placed with a specific manager who manages and mentors them and they are assigned specific tasks to ensure job-related training.

‘We believe these interns will bring fresh insights, enthusiasm, and skills to the workplace’ said Councillor Cottle.

Over the past 14 years, the City of Cape Town has built up an excellent reputation in the private sector for the calibre of interns the USIP produces.

‘The value of practical experience and training is crucial for graduates. We would love to grow our intake and we are calling on the corporates and other organisations for sponsorships. I’m looking forward to hearing from the private sector; send me an email, or call. We need you to partner with us and invest in the future of Cape Town’s young graduates,’ said Councillor Cottle.

Almost 70% of those who complete their internships find employment afterwards, with about 20% being permanently placed at the City. These figures are a testimony of the quality work experience and skillset the programme provides.

Interns are recruited through advertisements on the City’s website and in newspapers, as well as at universities. The City receives on average between 2 000 and 4 000 applications each year. An initial assessment is undertaken to select the top 200 potential candidates for interviews, and the successful candidates are then offered an internship with the City.

Source: City Of Cape Town