Boot Camp: 2022

We kicked off our 2022 Boot Camp programme with a fresh intake of interns in May 2022. After approximately 60 gruelling interviews, 3 candidates were selected and invited to attend the Boot Camp. Congratulations to all that made it!

They are already knee-deep in the Boot Camp, having completed several modules of the boot camp already!

We asked them for some feedback on their experience so far:

“The Telspace internship for me is fast paced, healthy work environment as an intern and needs you to always be on your toes. Whether you make mistakes or get it right first try, you keep pushing further” – Obakeng

“It involves tons of research and problem-solving. One moment, I am on top of the world as I would pwn the machines and the next, I am back to my sorrows. I still love it though” – Tswaitswai

“It has been an unbelievable experience so far. I have not only had the opportunity to expand my knowledge so vastly in such a short time but I have been afforded the opportunity to get to know and see first-hand what some of the country’s top security experts can do, which only adds to the excitement and motivation to become a part of this great team” - Jason

For those interested in entering the industry, we will be hosting another boot camp later this year. If you would like to participate, please get in touch with us at recruitment@telspace.africa

In order to prepare yourself, the interview process covers some of the following topics: Networking, Linux, Windows, Cryptography, general information security knowledge, as well as Software Development and Exploitation. We are certain that our Boot Camp surpasses the industry “standard” thanks to the following:

• Our interns don’t have any monetary restraint attached to them, as they are paid a monthly salary whilst undertaking the training with us. Additionally, there are no restraints where the interns will have to pay back money if they do not end up working for Telspace at the end of the Boot Camp. Having an approach other than this would not benefit our newcomers to the industry, nor the community at large.
• If interns are uncertain that they are a good fit for the industry or at Telspace Africa during the boot camp, then they are free to leave at any time, taking what they have learnt with them, including any certifications (and we are more than happy with that!).
• Should our interns pass the strict criteria at the end of the boot camp, via different assessment gateways, then they will be offered a 4-month contract as a junior analyst with Telspace Africa (which they are not obliged to accept). If they do accept the offer, then further certifications and training will be provided by Telspace.
• This boot camp is about growing the information security community, and thereafter, our company; in order to provide our customers with the best possible service.

Telspace wishes each new intern the very best of luck; we are eager to see the wonderful knowledge you will gain, as well as the many shells you will be popping!

A new era for Telspace

As Telspace celebrates its 20th anniversary of being in business, I consider myself lucky to have been the Founder and CEO of such an incredible company. 

Being CEO and Founder, it’s always been a key goal of mine to give back to the community at large and more specifically the South African community. It’s not as easy to do so when you’re starting a business alone especially at 19 years old, with no experience (and no capital at all!), but we’ve always tried to do our part over the years. It’s been a pleasure to watch the South African community grow in the last 2 decades, seeing the difference between 2002 and 2022 is staggering for me. 

Throughout all the ups and downs of running a business over the last 2 decades, giving back to the community by growing it within South Africa has brought me the most joy. Watching people that started their careers with us knowing very little to now having exceptional jobs at large (or small) corporate firms, gives me a lot of happiness. The same goes for our internship programs and other free community initiatives we have run with for information security education over the years. 

With the above being said, it is also why we, as management, have decided to change the business and rebrand to Telspace Africa. Our rebranding and new leadership changes are in line with our new strategy to set the foundation for the next 20 years of Telspace Africa with a stronger and clearer focus on the African market.

It therefore gives me great pride to announce that Dr Manuel Corregedor will now be the Chief Executive Officer of Telspace Africa. Anyone that has met and knows Manuel well, will attest to what an incredible person he is. Particularly, a person of high integrity and character. In addition, he’s been a great friend to me, a mentor to countless students and staff, a phenomenal colleague, and his contributions to the information security sector in SA (and abroad) have been significant and are largely unmatched (except for a select few others in our country). I’m proud to not only know Manuel as a best friend, but also now have him as our CEO. Congratulations Manuel, you truly deserve it.

In line with our management change, Timothy Quintal has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Timothy (like Manuel) is an exceptionally strong leader, a strategic and critical thinker and has a strong focus on developing others. Timothy exudes positivity and has a strong focus on growing each individual at our company. Also, someone I’m proud to call a great friend.

We’ve also had other internal staff promotions in management positions internally, all with the best intentions for our staff and customers.

Lastly, my new role at Telspace Africa as Chairman, is overlooking and steering the company in the right direction and to serve on our board in the best possible way, encouraging growth not only for our company but again, in our community.

Thank you to all our customers and staff that have believed in us over the years, we look forward to serving you for the next 20 years and beyond.

-Dino Covotsos