Intern at Mooney Bay, Through the educational Intern programme, students obtained hands-on training

During their 10-day hiatus from school, students were immersed in various job roles to learn the ins and outs of the tourism industry. Under the supervision and tutelage of managers at some of the tourism industry’s largest companies and resorts, the eager teenagers obtained skills in hospitality, copper artistry, boat maintenance, the marine industry, customer service, food and beverage management, and accommodations.

Some of their tasks involved rebuilding boat engines, creating pastries, managing communications, monitoring visitor check-ins and departures, assisting with watersports activities, culinary preparation, accounting, metalwork, and property maintenance.

Through the educational programme, students obtained hands-on training, lessons about the BVI’s tourism product and insight into the roles required in making the tourism industry successful.

Personal interaction with tourists, hoteliers and tour operators opened their eyes to the many responsibilities and requirements expected to preserve this multi-million dollar industry.

“The Tourism Work Experience programme is an interactive vehicle for students aspiring to work in the tourism industry. We want our youth to experience these roles firsthand in order to garner a clear perspective of how things work and how we’re connected in building Brand BVI,” said Carnel Clyne, Product Development Officer at the Tourist Board. “Our tourism industry partners play a pivotal role in providing our 15-17 year-olds with opportunities to further develop the economic resources to carry these islands forward.”

There are many facets to tourism and many jobs to which youngsters may not be aware. Tourism utilises architects, designers, villa owners, dive instructors, chefs, restaurant staff, hotel managers, and so much more.

“The future of tourism in the BVI will be passed to our younger generations, and in order to maintain our leading pillar, youth in the territory must be educated at the primary, secondary and tertiary level. It’s paramount for us to provide them with the means to succeed in the tourism professions of their choice,” said Malcia Smith-Hamilton, Acting Director of the BVI Tourist Board. “Through the support of companies within the Territory we strive to give our children a solid foundation on which to continue building Nature’s Little Secrets as a primary destination within the Caribbean.”

From April 2nd to 13 the following schools and students participated – BVI Seventh Day Adventist School: Kimberly Bartley, Jonell Reid; Elmore Stoutt High School: Asheka Hall, Shanea Richards; Saint George’s Secondary School: Jahnai Pickering; Bregado Flax High School: Cristhofer Santana, Ariq Flax-Clarke, Alondre Ephraim, Jacara Harrington, Chrystal Harry-Clark, Annesha Bridgewater, Feeanna Andrews, Allydah George, Andrea Legair, Brittney Peters, and Brian Gaston.

The companies who provided internships include: Nanny Cay, The Moorings, Fort Burt Hotel, Aragorn Studios, Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Driftwood Resorts Nail Bay, Bitter End Yacht Club, and Virgin Gorda Village.