Over 200 placed in government’s summer work programme
A total of 217 students have secured placements through the Virgin Islands Public Service Summer Apprenticeship Programme, with participants assigned to ministries, departments, statutory agencies and private-sector businesses across the territory.
The programme, which targets college and high school students, officially began with orientation sessions facilitated by the Department of Human Resources through the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute. The sessions were designed to provide students with guidance as they transition into the working world and focused on workplace expectations and professionalism.
Students attending the orientations heard remarks from Premier and Minister of Finance Dr Natalio Wheatley, Deputy Governor David Archer, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome and other government officials. Organisers encouraged participants to approach their placements with purpose and professionalism and to view the experience as a foundation for future careers.
The initiative is being administered jointly by the Department of Human Resources and the Department of Labour and Workforce Development. Acting Labour Commissioner Mervin Hastings also addressed the students and pledged support for programmes aimed at strengthening the future workforce.
Archer said the programme demonstrated the government’s commitment to investing in young people.
“The Public Service Summer Apprenticeship Programme is a testament to the Government of the Virgin Islands’ unwavering commitment to investing in our young people. These students represent the future of our territory, and it is our responsibility to ensure they are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to lead,” Archer stated.
He encouraged participants to maximise the opportunity available to them. “I encourage each apprentice to make the most of this opportunity, to ask questions, to observe, to learn, and to bring their best every day of their placement,” Archer stated.
The government said apprentices become full members of staff during their placements and receive a paid stipend throughout the programme. Students who successfully complete the apprenticeship also receive a certificate of completion.
Acting Deputy Director of Human Resources Cara Christopher described the initiative as a longstanding source of practical experience for young people preparing to enter the workforce.
“Every year, we are proud to welcome students into the Public Service and create pathways for them into the private sector,” Christopher stated. She added that the programme allows students to learn directly from experienced professionals and gain a better understanding of workplace expectations.
Director of the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute Dr Connie George said the programme remained one of the most effective ways to expose young people to professional environments while promoting “the values of service, integrity, and excellence”. She added that officials were eager to see what the 217 apprentices would achieve during the summer and throughout their careers.
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over 200 of ya’ll close family and friends favoritism !
I don’t remember receiving a letter from school concerning students application were they hand picked?
PURE POLITRICKS AT PLAY
Whose kids are these and who was this advertised too. Im not saying it is not a good suggestion but for God in heaven sake, take care of the public servants you first and why is the DG even in this photo, he is a disappointment tin this picture, screwps. DR George please dont get caught up in the fluff or are you already there. Just sick we using kids for a month or two and then when they finish school they have no permanent place to put them.
Placing student is summer job at government office is one thing, but ensuring the get proper training is another.
I speak from experience with knowledge shared by students who been in the program. It’s a known fact that in cases where students are assigned to the technical department of IT or Telephone services, after checking in at the office and the go out in the field, they spend time living in bars and doing other things not related to job training.
Another thing: those students who are assigned to the Help Desk that are left on their own with no knowledge of anything is a waste of time. You call, they answer the phone but that’s all. They can’t answer any questions about any government office; they don’t know who is in charge of any department.
They are not prepared by their supervisor but they are left on their own to fill space while the designated office absent themselves and the Help Desk is left useless.
Then they talk about improving customer service. We wait for it.