National Internship Programme launched

(CNS Business): The target group for the National Workforce Development Agency’s new National Internship Programme is college students studying locally or abroad, according to Employment Minister Tara Rivers. However, she said it is also open to others who may want to “try before they buy” regarding their career path.  Chaquira Hodgson is the first intern under the programme, working with investment fund manager, Prosperity Capital Management Ltd.

Following on from the very successful internship programme for high school students at the Cayman Islands Further Education Centre, the NWDA’s Training and Development Unit launched the pilot programme earlier this year, partnering with PCM, which has its head office in Camana Bay. The agency said that the firm “offered an unparalleled opportunity for a young Caymanian to work and gain hands-on experience with a dynamic fund manager”, and applicants who were studying finance and accounting at a local college/university were invited to apply.  The first internship placement was awarded to Chaquira Hodgson, who is studying Accounting at the University College of the Cayman Islands.

Hodgson began her internship in May 2014 and has been receiving hands-on training and development, actively contributing to the creation of the finance group’s deliverables, according to the NWDA. The agency said that she has also been learning various practical aspects of day-to-day financial activities, gaining valuable knowledge and experience of accounting as well as some specifics of the funds industry. “With clearly defined learning objectives that captured various areas such as finance aspects, administrative matters, academics linkages and workplace skills, coupled with daily hands-on experience this ideally positions the intern for a successful future in a challenging finance role, the NWDA stated.

“I decided to do an internship because I felt that it could help build up my career profile and allow me to get to know people in the business world,” Hodgson said. “I felt that this internship opportunity would benefit me when seeking employment as I would have both gained hands on experience, new skills and made valuable connections. I have enjoyed my experience so far. The environment at Prosperity Capital Management (PCM) is subtle and the staff are very supportive and friendly, I feel like I have purpose because there is always something for me to participate in and learn.”

She added, “PCM is a very enjoyable place to have the pleasure of working and I hope others take advantage of opportunities such as this.”

“We have been very impressed with the outcome thus far and look forward to the continued success of the programme,” stated PCM Administrator Tanya Chin Yee.

Manager of Training and Development at the NWDA with oversight for the Internship Programme, Dianne Conolly, explained how the National Internship Programme works. “This is a public, private and academic partnership committed to strengthening and fostering relationships between young, innovative talent and local businesses through the vehicle of internships that will assist in future job opportunities. These internships provide interns with a meaningful experience that enhances their employability and skills integrating knowledge and theory learned with practical application and skills development in a professional setting.”

Minister Rivers said was extremely pleased that the first intern had been successfully placed through the National Internship Programme. She said,

She said, “I would like to thank Prosperity Capital Management Ltd for partnering with the NWDA by providing a placement for a promising young Caymanian through the National Internship Programme.  Gaining relevant practical experience to complement academic, vocational or technical study helps students to develop a greater appreciation and understanding of various career options. It is important that we expose our students to as many of these opportunities as possible so that they are better prepared to enter the workforce upon completion of their studies.  I congratulate Ms Hodgson on her success thus far in her internship, and I look forward to hearing of future successes and further development of the National Internship Programme through the participation of more and more local companies.”

The National Internship Programme is a Cayman Islands Ministry of Education, Employment & Gender Affairs and National Workforce Development Agency initiative to provide opportunities for participants to gain practical experience and develop their skills and interests in various occupations.

For more information on the National Internship Programme please email internships.nwda@gov.ky or call 345-945-3114.

Tags: internship, NWDA, Tara Rivers

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