For the interns working at the IBC and the ten FIFA World Cup™ venues the culmination of the event can be viewed as a beginning not an end. Hired by HBS, on behalf of FIFA TV, each of the students completing their internship receive a certificate of completion as well as educational credits that will give them a large advantage when applying for future employment.

A vital part of the joint FIFA-HBS Broadcast Legacy Programme, the internships have offered valuable experience to the students but they themselves have also played a crucial role in the success of the operation at the IBC and each of the venues.

"To us this programme is very important," explained HBS CEO Francis Tellier. "It gives the students a chance to work for an international organisation, alongside international colleagues, but it is not just about learning technical skills but also teaching life skills."

"This is not the first time we have done this kind of project, we carried out similar programmes in France, South Korea & Japan and Germany, but on this occasion we took it much further," continued Francis. "We have gone the extra mile by accrediting the qualification with the Media, Advertising, Publishing, Printing and Packaging - Sector Education Training Authority (MAPPP-SETA). The students have been formally assessed and will receive credit, while the certificate testifies our gratitude to them for their work."

Interns based at the Johannesburg venues (Ellis Park, the IBC and Soccer City)
collected their certificates during an award ceremony held at the IBC on 5 July

"Post-World Cup the broadcast training company Feline Technology will have a database of the interns, so in the future when they are asked to fill a position our interns will be at the top of their list."

Each intern went through a rigorous selection process followed by a series of broadcast workshops before beginning their tenure with HBS. "The whole process takes about two years," stated Training Manager Tania Pellegrini. "We begin by visiting universities in each host city looking for those that offer a variety of faculties and departments, like IT and Media, which would provide students who would benefit from this project."

"Those who have really applied themselves will take away certain skills that they cannot learn in university, things like the importance of communication and working in a team. It is an experience that will hopefully open doors for them."

Over the past fortnight a total of 330 interns have received their certificate of completion in ceremonies that have been moments of pride for both themselves and HBS. "What we have been doing with the Intern Certificate Ceremonies is congratulating them on completing the entire two-year programme," continued Tania. "For me it is great to actually see them blossom. In many cases it is a different person I see now compared to the person I saw in training eight months ago."

For the interns themselves it has been an invaluable experience. "It has been a once in a lifetime opportunity and it is great to be a part of Africa’s first World Cup", explained Nonkululeko Kubeka, who has been working in the Broadcast Information Office at the IBC. "I have made so many friends and made so many connections and as I will be one of only a handful of people to get the qualification it will give me a real edge."

"At first when we began the application process and considered the magnitude of the company it seemed like it would be impossible to be selected," added Chimeloane Mathenjwa, who spent his internship on the Construction Help Desk. "Just to be considered felt like an achievement, but now I have gained positive business experience as well as enjoying good future prospects."