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Samsung and Tshimologong recently celebrated the graduates of their highly successful App Factory Internship programme at the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. The event was attended by representatives from Samsung, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), Tshimologong project managers, Wits University representatives as well as alumni. This is the second cohort of the initiative.

The programme is based on supporting and guiding learners to employment as software developers. The App Factory makes a meaningful difference as the industry favours candidates with a couple of years of experience. Samsung South Africa, in partnership with Wits University’s Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, committed to run the App Factory in response to this challenge.

The App Factory is a software development internship programme that exposes interns to real-world projects under the dedicated guidance of a senior developer. Over the course of nine months, this intern-centred approach enables them to grow their competence and sharpen their skills.

The success of the App Factory speaks for itself, having achieved a 100% placement of the first cohort that graduated in 2020. The graduates are currently employed at BMW Rosslyn and Ernst & Young. The 2021 graduates of the App Factory Internship Programme are eager to find viable jobs within the industry. With the right skills and opportunities, such skilled interns can be part of driving local and global growth while achieving personal successes.

“Skilled software developers are also at the core of developing world-leading African digital entrepreneurs. We are excited to be partnering with Samsung to nurture these invaluable skills,” commented Lesley Donna Williams, CEO of Tshimologong.

“This internship is practical and provides enormous learning material, content and exposure to different technologies within the world of programming. It is run by a mentor who drives and energises you to use your full potential,” enthused Thulani Mabaso, one of the graduates.

Phephisile Mathizerd, another one of the talented App Factory internship graduates, added that she learnt a great deal from the programme. “Through software development, I can breathe life into ideas and solve key problems and challenges that my community and I face.”

Leveraging past accomplishments and lessons learnt, Samsung and Tshimologong are again taking another leap forward by doubling the cohort size to 18. The third cohort of the App Factory starts on 03 January and will run for nine months ending on 30 September 2022. This high-intensity, fast-paced programme is the equivalent of being in industry for up to 2 years. The practical learning will serve as a foundation for the graduates to continue to grow and be part of shaping the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

“We’re pleased to see how well Samsung’s education programmes, along with work placements, are being enthusiastically embraced by talented young people. The company’s ongoing global citizenship initiative, Enabling People, is helping the future generation fulfil their true potential and work towards a brighter future for themselves and their communities,” enthused Hlubi Shivanda, Director: Business Innovation Group and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa.

“We believe the App Factory Internship will not only transform lives but will empower deserving youth to take their place at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” concluded Shivanda.

Samsung is currently inviting applicants for the third cohort, starting in January 2022.