Summer Employment Initiative on Grand Bahama Island a Success
Nassau, Bahamas – A Boost for Young People’s Career Development
The Bahamas is known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, but the country is also dedicated to developing the skills and talents of its youth. One of the initiatives that is gaining traction is the Summer Employment program on Grand Bahama Island, which has recently entered phase two.
Scores of young people are getting the opportunity to learn on-the-job training from a variety of businesses and companies on the island. The initiative is part of the Public Service Professional Engagement Program (PS-PEP) — a collaborative initiative between the public and private sectors, aimed at providing students with hands-on work experience.
A Cross-Section of Businesses
A cross section of businesses participating in the program, ranging from service-oriented companies to private law firms and government entities, allows for students with diverse career goals to work on jobs that cater to their individual interests. According to Natasha Dean, Officer in Charge of the Public Service in Grand Bahama, “The PS-PEP Summer Employment program emphasizes workplace etiquette and the development of customer service skills.” It is open to participants aged 15 to 25 years.
A Record-Breaking Year
Now in its second year, the summer employment program on Grand Bahama had expanded significantly, with 79 participants this year, comprising 26.58% males and 72.15% females. The program has become a much-anticipated initiative for students during the summer break, with hundreds of applications from students pouring into the Ministry of Labor and the Public Service for space in the program. From those applications, only a certain number of students are selected to be a part of the program.
A Roadmap to Success
The program goes beyond simply placing students to work at certain companies or businesses for the summer. There have been some on-going successes and networking opportunities between some of the students and the companies for which they worked. For instance, in the first year of the program (2023), one of the college participants, Christian Hepburn, who majored in Nautical Science, was placed at the Freeport Harbour Company (FHC). Miss Hepburn excelled in her role and, upon completing her degree in November 2023, was hired by the Freeport Harbour Company as a Trainee Marine Pilot. She is the third female to be hired into their marine piloting program.
Conclusion
The summer employment program on Grand Bahama Island has proven to be a huge success, providing young people with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and build connections in their chosen industries. The initiative’s emphasis on workplace etiquette and customer service skills sets it apart from other programs and positions students for success in the job market.
FAQs
Q: Who is eligible for the program?
A: The program is open to participants aged 15 to 25 years.
Q: What kind of businesses are participating in the program?
A: A cross section of businesses, ranging from service-oriented companies to private law firms and government entities, are participating in the program.
Q: What kind of work experience do students gain through the program?
A: Students gain hands-on work experience and build connections in their chosen industries, while also developing skills in workplace etiquette and customer service.
Q: Are there any success stories from previous years?
A: Yes, one of the college participants, Christian Hepburn, was hired by the Freeport Harbour Company as a Trainee Marine Pilot after completing the program.