India, March 14 -- A North Macedonia-based tech company founder has come under criticism after advertising an unpaid internship that many described as exploitative. Petar Ninovski, the founder of Brainster, an international ed-tech company, took to LinkedIn to post about a one-year "apprenticeship" that required graduates to work 8 to 10 hours a day, five days a week-without a salary.

Instead of a proper wage, Ninovski offered a $500 monthly stipend and the chance to work directly with him, the CEO of three multi-million-dollar companies. He acknowledged that the offer "sounds crazy" but framed it as a rare opportunity.

"I'm offering a USD 0 first-year salary apprenticeship position (USD 500/month) where you will work 8 to 10 hours a da...