Unpacking the Nexus between internship programs and graduate skills development in South Africa, Limpopo Department of Education

Recent graduates often struggle to find suitable work, therefore, internships provide them with the skills they need for future employment opportunities. The study explores the nexus between internship programs and graduate skills development and the challenges hindering effective implementation of internship programs. The study used a pragmatic paradigm and convergent parallel design, involving 190 officials and interns from the Limpopo Department of Education Head Office, and analyzed using thematic and descriptive statistics. The study found that 33% of respondents believe internship programs are hindered by a lack of human and financial resources, with seven major themes including administration, incompetence, attitudes, stipends, and workload. The study demonstrate four main themes: administration, incompetency, lack of resources, interns and mentors attitude, stipend and workload as the main challenges in internship programs. The study revealed that interns can acquire valuable skills and experience that can significantly enhance their chances of securing a job post-internship. This study concludes that internship programs is pivotal for providing skills development for recent graduates to foster their employability in the job market search. This research can be applied in the Limpopo Department of Education and other institutions that provide internship programs, as well as in the field of Public Administration, in terms of policy and personnel functions in making informed policies. This study enhances knowledge in literature review and policy making for Limpopo Department of Education, enhancing officials' and interns' perspectives on internship programs. The study recommends that the LDoE, should be able to have enough to resources provide for all necessary aspects to ensure effective implementation of internship, as well as employ personnel well equipped to train the interns. By providing resources it is believed that internship programs can run smoothly. However, it is recognized that a potential challenge such as training mentors which will need to be addressed through external interventions. Key Words:Internship Programs, Skills, Development, Skills Development, and Graduates