an IT-related degree / STEM degree relevant to the IT sector or an IT certification / diploma / training (without a local full-time employment contract at time of application) who need to gain knowledge and practical skills in mid or advanced-level value added IT services. Train-to-hire Stipend Window allows graduates to work as trainees in a local company, on local or international client-related work. The train-to-hire stipend window can cover transportation and allowances. The train-to-hire stipend is a fixed amount and will be valid for a maximum of six months. Companies must present a work plan for the trainees and make a business case for how they will contribute to the firm’s business/R&D activities. Companies will need to conduct monthly evaluations of the trainees and will need to issue full-time employment contracts (short term if necessary) for the period of train-to-hire program.  

The stipend amount funded by the project can be up to $1,200, depending on the current market value for the position or technical skill, candidate experience, and technology/ project complexity. The companies will need to contribute 30 percent to the overall trainees’ remuneration. Smaller firms, firms located in Gaza, female managed firms, and women trainees will need to contribute only 20 percent to the trainee remuneration.  

Selection Criteria 

The following criteria will be used to assess companies’ applications: 

• Firms should provide evidence they have growth potential and a commercially sound business plan, including company vision, workforce expansion plan and can showcase the use of the trainees in their business development activities.  
• The company has experienced and complementary leadership and a management team with the right skills and personal strengths to succeed in the market.  
• Firms should have a solid and targeted training plan and scope of work for the trainees.  
• Firm should provide a list of proposed trainees that passed the company interview; trainees need to be new hires without a current local full-time job and with an IT-related degree / STEM degree relevant to IT sector or an IT certification / diploma / training 
• The position(s) requested is/ are aligned with the listed skills/ technologies mentioned in the Appendix of the Overview document 

 

The following criteria will be used to assess the suitability of the proposed trainees: 

• The proposed trainees must have an IT-related degree / STEM degree relevant to IT sector or an IT certification / diploma / training 
• The proposed trainees must not be currently full-time employees at the company or any other company 
• The proposed trainees must be trained on new technology or the advanced level of technology they have already trained on. 
• The proposed trainees must not have been previously funded by the Student Internship Stipend 
• The proposed trainees must not be immediate family members for the owner/manager or an immediate family member for the spouse of the owner/manager of the IT firm. Immediate family members include: spouse, child, niece/nephew, parent, siblings, grandchild, in-laws. 

 

To access additional information regarding eligible expenses, duration, application guidelines, and other relevant details, kindly click here

If you are familiar with the grant and application process, please click here to apply 

The provision of this grant is subject to fund availability.