Department of Employment Services National Internship Programme 2025/26 for Ugandans

 

Overview

The Department of Employment Services runs the National Internship Programme to support graduates and scarce diploma holders who want structured workplace experience. Many young people complete their academic studies without exposure to real work environments, and this gap limits access to entry level employment. The programme helps applicants gain skills, increase readiness for jobs and build strong professional profiles for future roles in Botswana.

The Department of Employment Services is responsible for employment facilitation. The department links job seekers with opportunities, supports labour market development and provides structured programmes that improve individual capacity. The National Internship Programme is one of its national support initiatives. The programme focuses on practical learning in work settings across public and private institutions. Many organisations host interns, and the programme ensures that placement follows proper standards to support growth.

1. Overview
2. Purpose of the Programme
3. Who Should Apply
4. Eligibility
5. Required Documents
6. Benefits
7. How to Apply
8. Submission Address
9. Deadline
10. Contact Details
11. Final Checklist

Purpose of the Programme

The National Internship Programme exists to improve the employability of graduates and diploma holders. Many organisations request applicants with experience, and this requirement blocks new entrants into the labour market. The programme addresses this barrier by giving individuals a structured entry point. The objectives include the following.

1. To equip graduates with practical knowledge.
2. To give diploma holders in scarce fields access to hands on exposure.
3. To link job seekers to work settings that match their fields of study.
4. To prepare a pipeline of skilled individuals for the national labour market.
5. To promote accountability within institutions that host interns through monitored placements.

The programme places interns across various sectors. Examples include commerce, agriculture, education, engineering, administration, ICT, tourism, social services, accounting and other professional areas. Participants receive tasks that align with their field of study. This helps them improve their technical and interpersonal skills.

Who Should Apply

The programme accepts two main categories of applicants.

1. Graduates from accredited institutions.
2. Diploma holders in scarce fields.

Graduates in any field can apply. The programme recognises the wide skills needed in the labour market. Applicants should hold a degree or diploma from an accredited college or university. Diploma holders should fall under the scarce skills category. This category covers fields where employers experience shortages. Examples include engineering, health sciences, ICT, technical trades and other specialised disciplines.

The programme suits individuals who want workplace exposure, want to build a record of experience and want support as they transition into employment. Applicants should be prepared to learn, follow workplace rules, and commit to tasks assigned by supervisors.

Eligibility

Applicants should meet basic eligibility conditions. The conditions help the Department of Employment Services place only qualified individuals. Eligibility includes the following.

1. The applicant should be a graduate or a diploma holder in a scarce field.
2. The applicant should hold complete academic records.
3. The applicant should provide certified supporting documents.
4. The applicant should submit an official transcript if the certificate is not yet available.
5. The applicant should provide a completion letter if the transcript does not show completion status.
6. The applicant should submit a certified copy of Omang.
7. The applicant should complete the official application form issued by the Department of Employment Services.

The department uses these requirements to verify identity, academic background and completion status. Applicants who provide incomplete information delay processing. Accurate documentation increases the chance of successful consideration.

Required Documents

Applicants must attach the following documents to the application form.

1. Certified copy of academic certificates.
2. Official transcripts if the certificate is not ready.
3. Completion letter if the transcript does not reflect completion.
4. Certified copy of Omang.
5. Fully completed application form requested from the department.

Applicants should certify all documents through authorised offices. Certification confirms that copies match the original documents. The department checks authenticity before placement.

Benefits

The National Internship Programme provides multiple advantages for participants. These benefits support career development and increase pathways to long term employment. Main benefits include the following.

1. Access to professional workplaces.
   Interns gain entry to real work environments where they can observe, practice and engage in tasks linked to their fields of study. This exposure strengthens confidence.
2. Improved employability.
   Employers value individuals who have workplace experience. Completing an internship helps applicants demonstrate readiness, reliability and practical capability.
3. Development of practical skills.
   Interns complete tasks under supervision. These tasks improve communication, record keeping, teamwork, reporting, time management and problem solving skills.
4. Professional networking.
   Interns interact with supervisors, managers and colleagues. These connections often support future job searches.
5. Stronger curriculum vitae.
   An internship adds structured experience to a CV. Recruiters use this information to assess suitability for job openings.
6. Better understanding of workplace expectations.
   Interns understand rules, procedures, punctuality requirements, reporting lines and performance standards. This knowledge helps them adapt to jobs faster.
7. Access to mentorship.
   Supervisors guide interns throughout the placement period. Mentorship helps individuals understand career paths, skill gaps and improvement areas.
8. Opportunity to secure employment after completion.
   Some organisations absorb high performing interns into entry level roles when vacancies arise. Although this is not guaranteed, placement creates opportunities.
9. Exposure to multiple departments.
   In some institutions, interns rotate across departments. Rotation builds a more complete understanding of organisational functions.
10. Contribution to the national labour market.
    By joining the programme, individuals support national efforts to build skilled labour. This contributes to a more competitive economy.

The combination of technical and soft skills gained through the programme builds long term value. Many former interns use the experience as a foundation for career advancement.

How to Apply

Applicants must follow clear steps to complete the application process. Failure to follow instructions reduces the chances of consideration. The steps include the following.

1. Request the Application Form.
   Applicants should request the official form through the provided email address. Send a short and clear request for the form to desinfobw@gmail.com. The form is necessary because it contains fields required by the Department of Employment Services. Applicants should fill the form accurately and ensure all sections are complete.
2. Prepare all documents.
   Applicants should gather certified copies of certificates, transcripts, Omang and completion letters if needed. Organising documents early prevents delays.
3. Complete the Application Form.
   Fill all required fields. Provide personal details, contact information, academic history and preferred fields for placement. Ensure the information matches the attached documents.
4. Attach Documents.
   Attach all the required certified documents to the completed form. Confirm that each attachment is correct and legible.
5. Submit the application through the correct channel.
   Applicants submit applications either through mail, courier or hand delivered copies. The department does not encourage incomplete submissions. Do not send original certificates.

Submission Address

Applications submitted by mail or courier should be addressed to:

The Director
Department of Employment Services
Private Bag 00354
Gaborone

Applicants who want to hand deliver applications should follow the department’s instructions. Place the documents in a secure envelope. Confirm that the envelope contains the correct address and all attachments.

Deadline
The Department of Employment Services accepts applications on an ongoing basis. Applicants should submit early to secure timely processing. Late submissions delay placement.

Contact Details
Applicants can request the application form or seek clarification through the following contacts.

Email: desinfobw@gmail.com
Phone: +267 3611617, +267 3611618, +267 3611619, +267 3611620

These contact lines belong to the Department of Employment Services.

Final Checklist
Before submitting, applicants should confirm the following.

1. The application form is fully completed.
2. Certified copies of certificates are attached.
3. Official transcripts are attached if certificates are not available.
4. Completion letter is attached if the transcript does not show completion status.
5. Certified copy of Omang is attached.
6. All documents are clear and properly arranged.
7. The envelope or email includes correct contact details and correct addressing.