In 2015 the iTouch Foundation started a bursary and internship programme. The foundation sponsored four Computer Science students completing their 3rd year at the University of Cape Town. During the Semester breaks iTouch also runs an internship programme with the bursars. As a results of the programme, two of the students are doing their honours and one of them is now permanently employed by iTouch Messaging Services.

This year, the programme was also extended to a Journalism student from Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).

A word from the students themselves

Matthew Williams, one of the Honours students had the following to say about the programme, “The opportunity of a bursary from Prime Group (iTouch) for students planning to study Honours in Computer Science was presented to me by one of my lecturers.

I immediately applied and a few months later I was called for an interview. I was grateful for the opportunity and eager to gain valuable experience.

I have learnt a lot during my internship here at iTouch, from being involved in the development of the iTouch website to developing a mobile application alongside a senior developer”.

Aashiq Parker, the second Honours student said, “I learnt about iTouch through an announcement that was made by UCT. I heard that they were offering bursary and internship opportunities and that it was the first year in which they were doing so. I applied and went for an interview and later got accepted.

Working here I have learnt a lot. I've been able to build up my skills not only in the field of computer science but also with respect to the corporate field. I was then given the opportunity to work under some of the best in the field and was also given the chance to work with very talented and skilled programmers”.

One of the students was fortunate enough to be permanently employed as a web developer and describes the internship as being great experience. He said that he had: “learnt a lot, from databases to web development” and enjoys his current position.

So far the programme has been a great success and iTouch believes in helping those who want achieve and make their dreams a reality.

To conclude on the iTouch bursary programme

I , Gabriella Steyn, the journalism student, have spent just under a month with iTouch to date, and will return later this year to further develop my skills. “First of all, I learnt how one can use social media to the advantage of growing a business and putting a good image out there, or letting people know what your business is about and so forth. The team is very helpful and down to earth and no one judges anyone else. Everyone is very patient with me whilst learning and I absolutely love it here” - Gabriella.