ENSP has once again launched its internship program, marking the beginning of the third round of this initiative. This year, 21 fresh graduates with diverse educational backgrounds in plant science, horticulture, rural development, agricultural extension, agribusiness, and crop production have been selected to participate in the program. The aim of the internship program is to provide young graduates with valuable exposure to the seed sector and equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue employment opportunities or even establish their own ventures.
To kick off the program, a two-day personal development training was organized for the interns on June 13-14, 2024, in Addis Ababa. The training focused on enhancing the personal development skills of interns, addressing the basic concepts of mindset, time management, teamwork, conflict management, and work ethics. Interns were also oriented about the overall purpose of the internship program, their roles, and the benefits of the program. Dr. Mohammed Hassena delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the project’s efforts to empower the Ethiopian seed sector with skilled manpower. He also highlighted the success of previous rounds, where many interns were hired by seed companies or even started their own seed businesses. Dr. Mohammed expressed his optimism for the success of this round as well.
Facilitated by Ansha Yesuf, a skill and career development expert of the ENSP project, the personal development training employed interactive methods to engage the participants. It provided a platform for the interns to share their experiences and articulate their expectations from the internship program. The enthusiasm and eagerness displayed by the participants underscored their commitment to making the most of this opportunity. It was evident that, while they may have limited knowledge of the seed sector at present, they are eager to learn and grow within this dynamic industry.
Moving forward, ENSP will facilitate the signatory process, the placement of these interns in seed companies, and continue providing technical and economic support. This support is designed to advance their careers and establish connections within the labour market. The internship program aims to equip these individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge through practical learning experiences, enabling them to pursue employment opportunities or even establish their own seed business.
The internship program holds great potential not only for the interns but also for the seed sector as a whole. Through practical learning experiences and exposure to industry practices, the program seeks to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. By nurturing talent and fostering professional growth, ENSP aims to create a pool of skilled individuals who can drive innovation and contribute to the growth and sustainability of the seed sector.
The ENSP internship program represents a significant investment in the future of the seed sector in Ethiopia. Through fostering the talents of young professionals and providing them with the necessary tools and support, ENSP is laying the groundwork for a more robust and dynamic industry. As these interns’ transition from students to professionals, they carry with them the potential to make meaningful contributions to the sector and drive its continued growth and success.
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