CUC powers summer of learning for interns
Student Garin Ritch (L) assists industrial electrician Rodney Welcome with the testing of a transformer
(CNS): This summer, 19 students have been taking part in the Caribbean Utilities Company’s (CUC) annual vocational and internship programme. The nine university-level students began at various times throughout May and June, and the 10 high school participants started 7 July.
Anika Conolly, CUC human resources analyst and programme coordinator, said the summer placement aims to “expose the young people of Cayman to an environment that would give them a clearer understanding about the real world of work and allow them to make more informed decisions about their career goals”.
Students not only receive hands-on experience, but each week they are also required to attend a “lunch and learn” session. These meetings are education-based and focus on topics ranging from personal budgeting to finding and keeping the right job.
University student Hilda Rivers, who is working with the human resources department, said of the programme: “The first-hand experience I am getting now is different from the assignments I did in school. This experience is enhancing my knowledge and putting what I’ve learnt in school to good use.”
Garin Ritch, 17, is enjoying his first time in the programme. “With this experience I am learning a lot in the electrical maintenance department about how transformers and substations in the power plant work,” he said. “Since this is my first year, I am trying to learn as much as possible and hope to come back next year.”
For those students who perform well, the programme, which is in its 15th year, remains an open door of opportunities. Many students return for a second year of experience, some remain on temporary contracts, and others even move on to become full-time CUC employees.
Category: Youth
