Recently the research facility I work at picked up a university practicum student for a few months but needless to say, his skills and abilities in the work we are doing was absolutely atrocious. Even now they are not up to scratch and he took a lot of criticism for it (of course constructive).
Yet you could not fault his work ethic and persistence. He was spending more late nights at work than the majority of us on the payroll even. Add a carefree, laid back personality and he was a hit with all the staff. All of us were impressed by how hard he worked even if we had to stay back at work to correct data that may have needed reanalyzing. He definately added to the work place a spark that even the manager is now considering hiring him.
This brings me thoughts I have about persistance. In a cut throat work environment he could of been instantly given the flick yet he has pulled through in great colors. I even took the kid out for a surf one day and he earnt my respect in truck loads. He'd paddle for every wave and every time he went over the falls or got dunked, he'd get back on his board and paddled hard, duck diving back out to get ready for the next wave and he went over alot. He was a very driven individual.
So when is 'trying your best' good enough? In this case the kid while lacking talent and ability has gotten so far in his life many others would have simply given up and tried something else. We don't have enough of these type of people in the world; driven to achieve their goals in life.
To be fair most students doing a practicum placement probably have their fair share of f-ups. I've had some good ones 
. The whole idea of industry placement is to learn and get an idea of what actually happens upon graduation (and to see how clueless we are as we come out of uni).
Uni is way different to the real world. And it sounds like with his attitude, he will eventually get a handle on it and will probably be quite valuable then.
All you can do is try your best. Sometimes it won't be good enough, but at least there will be no 'what if I worked/tried a little harder'.
It's funny mate, one year we started out with 3 and ended up with just 1 by the end of the program. I guess we have quite a high standard in the workplace and make it known when something is not up to scratch (no special treatments here). We won't kick you out; just expect the best you can offer and clearly this kid is doing well enough.
I like your thinking DP, trying your hardest so there is no stone unturned. Would not be surprised if down the track this kid ended up holding a high position of whichever occupation he chose.
Sounds like your learning to Jibe..
Keep on going never give up one-day you'll nail it...
My jibes mirror my surfing ability Buster 
Dunno if I am jibing mate. If I am, sorry about that but just as much a bit of reflection. I'll admit I am disappointed at the generation proceeding me; watching kids simply dumping their rubbish on the beach when leaving or the lack of surfing etiquette shown in the line up. Some of my younger mates I can see so much potential but instead they prefer to go out all the time and pull an all nighter with caffeine drinks/ pills to get an assignment in due the next day.
The approach of persevering works well in the academic and gov't sectors.
Less so in competitive private env'ts, where you have firm budgets, deadlines, expectations, ROI, etc.
Unfortunately laid back and getting along do not go far in helping projects and measured work - it's taken into consideration only as a last resort.
For youngsters for sure there is an adaptation to a new job. In fairness to new employees, I always make sure this initial period is well managed and well planned, BUT never at the expense of my own projects - someone else has to pay for the ramp-up.
Then usual probation allows to see if he improves, learns, takes advice, if there's any potential, and so on. Takes 3-6 months to judge of a good worker with potential, but only 2-4 weeks are needed to tag those not willing to pull their weigh in.
As a previous employer, my highest priorities for a prospective employee was trust & hard-work...unfortunately it does have its limits if the employee is unable to do the tasks, especially in small business where you need skills as well as ethic.
[edit] - removed my drivel
Glasssssy -Great thread - you make a good point though I am a little confused
Its a prac kid with no experience - of course they will be crap and require lots of "constructive criticism" - we cant teach experience
But you stated he lacked talent and ability ......mmm has the experience provided resulted in a better worker?.
IMHO Fresh enthusiasm despite blunders is acceptable only to the point in time where the rest of the team feel they have given enough guidance / training / criticism and the trainee should have learnt / used their ability and talent to develop the skill required. (For some members of the team that is in the 1st hr)
The tipping point is an interesting thing to watch....if you can remain on the outside
More than his perseverance, your support reinforced his commitment to it. Simple application of learning theory works wonders, and he will remember it, and pass it on, when he is a long way down the track.
I take my hat off to you Glassssy. We need more of both sides of achievement. 
The manager has possibly recognized the core worth of the student.
ok so they're making some mistakes, fair enough we all do when we start out some more than others but there are a number of ways the people can react to these mistakes.
1) not give a sh1t.
2) blame someone else
3) take responsibility and try to rectify the problem.
4) just leave because it was to dificult
This person sounds like a "3" and they in all seriousness are quite rare.
If they have a modicum of talent and skill in the job/surfing then once they gain the experience which has to be learnt through time on the job then watch out they as will be unstoppable.
It's either that or they're incompetent but have some good photo's of the manager
