Just over six thousand young South Africans put their hands up for careers in the South African defence industry (SADI) in the month applications were sought for the Armscor talent development programme.
At the beginning of February, the State-owned defence acquisition and project management company invited graduates in computer science, electrical and mechanical engineering and geo-informatics to apply for internship registration.
By the closing date of 28 February, 6 041 applications were received. These will, according to Armscor Senior Manager: Corporate Communication Liziwe Nkonyana, be processed with successful applicants going on to become part of the Armscor internship programme.
A two-year stint including hands-on workplace will follow during which skills related to their chosen fields of study and qualification will be expanded and fine-tuned. This time is geared to equipping successful applicants for the high-tech work environment Armscor operates in. These, the company says, are acquisition services; research and development (R&D) where the Alkantpan and Gerotek test and evaluation facilities operate, along with seven specialised defence science and technology institutes and the naval dockyard in Simon’s Town.
Among the disciplines in use at test facilities and institutes are electrical and mechanical engineering, telemetry, radar and chemistry with an emphasis on protection from hazardous materials.
Adding value for those who make it to final selection is Armscor stating they will earn “a market related monthly stipend based on their level of qualification”.
