In a bid to reduce the problem of graduate skills mismatch with the labour market and lessen unemployment, the Altron Bursary Programme prepares university students to be job-ready, while assisting with the costs of their tuition.

The programme awards 25 university students from around the country with bursaries worth R70 000 as part of a talent-based scheme aimed at attracting and retaining exceptional individuals who can contribute to the company’s success once they have graduated.

The students, from the Universities of Stellenbosch, Pretoria, Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal and Witwatersrand receive year-long contracts and the opportunity to complete six weeks

of vocational work at various Altron operations in June and December holidays. While a usual condition of the bursary, this also provides students with invaluable work experience.

The Altron Bursary Scheme recruits predominantly in the fields of electronic engineering, industrial engineering, informatics and computer science. Preference is given to candidates with exceptional academic records, with the potential and ability to contribute to the success of the Altron Group once they have completed their studies.

The bursary programme is managed by the Bill Venter Academy and applications for bursaries are invited annually. The number of bursaries awarded depends on the operational needs of the business. The students can choose whether to use the money towards tuition or accommodation at their respective universities.