FEM is recruiting students for a 12-month Information Technology Internship that offers practical exposure to cloud infrastructure, network administration, cybersecurity compliance and system troubleshooting. Candidates pursuing a relevant diploma or degree can join the programme at FEM’s Johannesburg head office, with detailed curriculum vitae submissions due by close of business on 31 July 2026.
The programme will pair the successful candidate with experienced systems engineers and technology leaders. Therefore, the intern can strengthen technical knowledge while learning how an information technology department supports daily business operations.
FEM will give preference to candidates who need Work Integrated Learning to complete their qualifications. However, candidates must already understand basic networking, operating systems, computer hardware and security practices.
The organisation has not disclosed a stipend or salary for the programme. Candidates should therefore wait for FEM to confirm any remuneration during the recruitment process.
Which technical areas will the internship cover?
The programme offers exposure across several core information technology domains rather than limiting the intern to one narrow support function.
Training will cover areas such as:
- Cloud infrastructure
- Network administration
- Cybersecurity compliance
- System troubleshooting
- Service Desk operations
- Identity and Access Management
- Systems administration
- End-user support
- Technical documentation
- Computer hardware
- Foundational infrastructure tasks
- Technology asset management
This broad exposure can help the intern understand how different systems connect. For example, resolving a user’s access problem may require knowledge of the operating system, network, account permissions and security controls.
Who fits FEM’s educational profile?
Candidates must currently pursue a diploma or degree in a relevant technical field.
Suitable study areas include:
- Information technology
- Computer science
- Information systems
- Network engineering
- Systems administration
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud computing
- Another closely related technical field
FEM has not specified a minimum academic average. However, candidates should use their curriculum vitae to highlight relevant modules, technical projects and practical assignments.
Students who need a Work Integrated Learning placement should state this clearly near the beginning of their curriculum vitae.
How much technical knowledge should candidates already have?
The programme operates at entry level, but candidates still need a basic understanding of core technology concepts.
FEM expects familiarity with:
- Networking fundamentals
- Operating systems
- Computer hardware components
- Computer peripherals
- Basic security practices
- Local network configuration
- Windows 10 and Windows 11
- Microsoft 365 applications
Candidates should understand foundational network concepts such as:
- Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol
- Wireless networking
- Domain Name System
- Local network connectivity
- Device addressing
- Basic connection troubleshooting
Experience with macOS or Linux will strengthen a candidate’s profile, although FEM lists it as an advantage rather than a compulsory requirement.
Candidates should also know how to use Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Word and Excel in a professional environment.
What could everyday technical support involve?
The intern will help support daily information technology operations and end users.
Depending on departmental requirements, tasks may include:
- Responding to basic technical support requests.
- Helping users resolve computer or software problems.
- Preparing or configuring workplace devices.
- Recording incidents and support requests.
- Escalating complex problems to systems engineers.
- Updating technical documentation.
- Assisting with user accounts and access permissions.
- Checking hardware and peripheral connections.
- Supporting system maintenance activities.
- Following cybersecurity and access-control procedures.
- Maintaining accurate asset information.
- Helping teams implement system updates.
Technical support requires more than knowing how to repair a computer. The intern must also listen carefully, document the issue and explain the solution in language the user can understand.
Why is Identity and Access Management important?
Identity and Access Management controls who can access an organisation’s systems, applications and information.
In practice, this may involve creating user accounts, changing permissions, resetting credentials or removing access when someone leaves the organisation.
Therefore, the intern must follow approved procedures rather than granting access informally. Even a minor permission error could expose confidential business or claims information.
The programme can help the successful candidate understand:
- User account administration.
- Role-based access.
- Password and authentication procedures.
- Access-request documentation.
- Security approval processes.
- Account changes and deactivation.
- The principle of providing only necessary access.
This exposure may prove especially valuable for candidates interested in cybersecurity, systems administration or technology governance.
Which small projects could interns support?
FEM may allow the intern to contribute to or lead small operational projects under supervision.
Examples include:
- Installing or coordinating system updates.
- Auditing computers and other technology assets.
- Improving standard operating procedure documents.
- Organising technical records.
- Supporting software deployment activities.
- Testing a small infrastructure change.
- Updating device inventories.
- Creating simple automation scripts.
- Documenting common technical solutions.
- Improving a Service Desk process.
These projects can give the intern concrete achievements to add to a professional portfolio. Moreover, they can show whether the candidate manages time, communicates progress and completes technical work carefully.
Why does Work Integrated Learning matter?
Work Integrated Learning connects academic study with practical experience inside an organisation.
Some diploma and degree programmes require students to complete a workplace placement before graduating. Consequently, FEM will give preference to candidates who need this experience.
Candidates requiring Work Integrated Learning should include:
- The name of their institution.
- The qualification they are completing.
- The required placement duration.
- Their expected completion date.
- Any institutional placement requirements.
- Their availability for the 12-month internship.
If the institution provides a Work Integrated Learning confirmation letter, candidates should keep it ready in case FEM requests supporting documentation.
Which personal qualities will help an intern succeed?
FEM wants a candidate who can solve problems while communicating clearly with technical and non-technical colleagues.
Important qualities include:
- Practical problem-solving ability.
- Good verbal and written communication.
- Adaptability.
- Personal initiative.
- Willingness to learn new technologies.
- Ability to accept constructive feedback.
- Patience when assisting users.
- Respect for standard operating procedures.
- Attention to detail.
- Professional conduct.
- Ability to work in a team.
- Curiosity about systems and infrastructure.
The successful candidate should also know when to escalate a problem. Attempting an unauthorised fix can create a larger technical or security issue.
How should candidates tailor their curriculum vitae?
FEM requests a detailed curriculum vitae. Therefore, candidates should provide evidence of their technical knowledge instead of listing only the qualification title.
The curriculum vitae should include:
- Current qualification and institution.
- Expected completion date.
- Relevant technical modules.
- Work Integrated Learning requirements.
- Operating systems used.
- Networking knowledge.
- Microsoft 365 experience.
- Hardware troubleshooting experience.
- Cybersecurity or cloud modules.
- Academic technology projects.
- Automation or scripting experience.
- Contact information and availability.
Candidates can also include practical experience gained through personal projects, university laboratories or volunteer work.
For example, they could mention configuring a small local network, installing an operating system, resolving device problems or creating a basic automation script.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Create a short “Technical Skills” section near the top of your curriculum vitae. Mention specific tools and concepts such as Windows 11, Microsoft 365, Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol, Wi-Fi troubleshooting and Domain Name System instead of using the broad phrase “computer literate.”
Which documents should candidates prepare?
The vacancy specifically requests a detailed curriculum vitae. The online portal will indicate whether FEM requires additional documents during registration.
Candidates should nevertheless have the following available:
- A detailed curriculum vitae.
- A copy of a South African identity document.
- A recent academic record.
- Proof of current registration.
- A Work Integrated Learning confirmation letter, where applicable.
- Certificates from relevant technical courses, where available.
Documents should remain clear and accurately named. In addition, the qualification details should match the information entered on the recruitment portal.
How can candidates submit their applications?
Applications must be completed through the official FEM online recruitment portal.
Candidates should:
- Confirm that they study towards a relevant technical qualification.
- Update the curriculum vitae with technical projects and skills.
- State any Work Integrated Learning requirement clearly.
- Prepare supporting academic documents.
- Complete the online application information.
- Upload the detailed curriculum vitae.
- Review all contact details.
- Submit before the end of business on 31 July 2026.
FEM may not consider candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements. Therefore, applicants should ensure that their curriculum vitae shows the required technical foundation.
Where could the internship lead?
Twelve months of infrastructure and support experience can create a foundation for several entry-level technology paths.
Possible positions include:
- Service Desk analyst
- Information technology support technician
- Junior systems administrator
- Network support technician
- Cloud support assistant
- Identity and Access Management administrator
- Technology asset administrator
- Desktop support technician
- Cybersecurity support analyst
- Infrastructure support technician
- Systems support analyst
- Junior technical consultant
Some positions may require additional certifications. For example, graduates may later pursue recognised qualifications in networking, cloud platforms, cybersecurity, Microsoft technologies or information technology service management.
However, the practical experience gained through user support, infrastructure work and technical documentation can provide a valuable starting point.
What will FEM consider during selection?
FEM will assess candidates against the qualification, technical knowledge and soft-skill requirements.
The organisation also promotes employment-equity principles and retains discretion over the final appointment.
Shortlisted candidates should prepare to discuss:
- Their current qualification.
- Their Work Integrated Learning requirements.
- A technical problem they have solved.
- Basic networking concepts.
- Windows troubleshooting steps.
- Microsoft 365 experience.
- Their interest in cloud infrastructure or cybersecurity.
- How they respond to feedback.
- Why they want to work in technical support.
Candidates should use straightforward examples from academic assignments, personal projects or previous practical exposure.
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Final Thoughts
The FEM Information Technology Internship 2026 gives students an opportunity to build practical skills across cloud infrastructure, network administration, cybersecurity compliance and system support.
The 12-month programme targets candidates pursuing a diploma or degree in information technology, computer science, information systems or a related field. FEM will also prioritise candidates who require Work Integrated Learning.
Although FEM has not advertised a stipend, the programme provides broad exposure to experienced systems engineers, daily technology operations and small technical projects.
Candidates who meet the requirements should prepare a detailed, technically focused curriculum vitae and submit their applications before the end of business on 31 July 2026.
