The assessment of a connection between internship programme and employee career progression: an analysis of South African internship programmes

Over the years, internship programmes have been used by the government to reduce youth unemployment. However, there is no clear indication of the extent to which the programmes enhance the career progression of recipients and whether internship programmes are essential in determining an individual career path. Hence, the study sought to examine the relationship between internship programme and career progression. A quantitative study was adopted to investigate the relationship of internship programmes with the career progressions of recipients in South Africa. The data was collected from Mbombela Municipality's current internship candidates and employees who were absorbed from the internship programme using a four-point Likert scale self-developed questionnaire. Out of one hundred research instruments distributed to research participants that were identified based on purposeful and convenient non-probability sampling, only seventy useful responses were retrieved. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the participant's demographic information, while Pearson Product-Moment Correlation was used to analyse the relationship between the internship programme and career progression. The result was 0.001, which means that a positive linear correlation exists between internship programmes and career progression. When managed correctly, these programmes can effectively curb the unemployment rate through absorption, personal development, and providing the right experience matching their qualifications. Furthermore, by emphasising the subtle aspects of internship programmes that have significantly impacted each programme participant's career growth, the study contributes to the existing knowledge of the study variables in order to structure internship programmes according to the educational qualification and provide participants with the required tools that will enhance a positive career progression when the internship is concluded. Key Words:Internship programme, Career progression, Mentoring, Counseling, Government initiatives, Career advancement, Public sector