NetHope Academy Internship Opportunity For IT Professionals (Graduates or Students Nearing Graduation).

Background.

The NetHope Academy Kenya is a six-month long development program that prepares promising candidates for full-time careers in the IT field. 

 Interns build upon knowledge gained through formal education becoming highly qualified and proficient IT professionals. NetHope Academy Kenya is currently seeking ambitious and motivated computer science (or related field) graduates and near graduates to join the upcoming class.

Established in 2001, ACWICT, a Kenyan women-oriented development organization, mission is to promote the use of information and communications technology to women in Africa as a device for social, economic and political advancement.

NetHope Academy Kenya began in March 2012. The first class of students consisted of forty young women and men interns. 

NetHope Academy has successfully piloted two classes in Kenya to test the model and ensure the program is designed to get the best outcome for the students. To date, 89% of our graduates have secured full time, paid employment within 90 days of completing the NetHope Academy program.

The best candidates are recent graduates who:

• Are interested and passionate about pursuing a career in Information and Communication Technologies
• Have recently received a degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or information systems management
• Must be available to participate full time in a two-week mandatory boot camp training session August 19 – 30.
• Must participate in a full time (40 hours a week) 4-6 month internship commencing September 2013
• Are willing to invest a minimum of 8 hours per week studying for Certification exams, attending instructor-led classes and using web based training to build additional technology and soft skills
• Are proficient in speaking and writing English. All IT training will be given in English.
• Have a positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Preference given to women and those coming from severely disadvantaged backgrounds and rural areas.

Participants in the 2012 pilot program were not charged a fee as the model was tested and refined. The program has proven to be a success and there is now a need to ensure it is sustainable and continues to meet the demands of the Kenyan market. NetHope is offering partial scholarships to all successful applicants for the upcoming NetHope Academy Intern Program. 

NetHope Academy will subsidise 170,000KES (per intern) with each participant contributing 85,000KES towards the total 255,000KES cost (per intern). This will ensure many more generations have the opportunity to attend NetHope Academy and to build skills and develop into employable IT professionals.

NetHope Academy Interns will receive the following benefits by participating in the program:

1. A two week “boot camp” training session prior to the start of your internship.
2. Opportunity to earn at least two Microsoft technical certifications (Microsoft Technology Associate and Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) including the assessment fees
3. Soft skills training including presentation skills, effective communication, resume writing, customer service and interviewing techniques.
4. A full time meaningful IT focused 4-6 month internship with a company in Nairobi.  This may be a commercial business, NGO, or government agency, and some interns may have the opportunity to travel outside of Nairobi.  A small stipend to cover transport and lunch during the internship period will be provided by the host organization.
5. Access to over 240 hours of e-learning modules through Learning Management System (LMS) for further training and skills development.
6. Ongoing coaching, mentoring, and training sessions throughout the 6 month program including an assigned mentor to provide regular career guidance and coaching.
7. Invitations to NetHope Academy networking activities including events with key partners (Microsoft, Cisco, ESRI, Accenture, Global VSAT Forum, etc.), Entrepreneur and Social Innovation conferences, Women in Technology events, NetHope’s Women Tech Connect Program
8. Membership to NetHope Alumni for networking and collaboration
9. Ongoing support with job applications and employment opportunities.  To date 89% of our graduates in Kenya have been placed into full time jobs within 90 days of completing the program.

The cost of accommodation, transport and meals will be covered by the participants.

Participants will be required to pay the 85,000KES before the program commences. Interns may wish to use their own funds or access the education loan that NetHope Academy has created with a local financial institution.

The loan is only available to students who have been accepted into NetHope Academy and has been designed to ensure it is affordable to the student. More information regarding the loan terms and conditions will be available to successful applicants.

Click HERE to apply