Summer Employment Programme Is Underway
The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that the 2013 Summer Employment Programme [SEP] got underway today [May 20] with more than 150 Bermudian college students working throughout Government, the private sector and the Island’s local non-profit and charitable organizations.
Minister of Home Affairs, Sen. Michael Fahy met with roughly 20 of the students on the Cabinet Office lawn to offer the youngsters his well wishes for a productive summer season.
Minister Fahy said, “Earlier this month, I announced the name change of the Department of Workforce Development, and the significance of this transition to ensure and deliver qualified human resources to support Bermuda’s economy.
“The SEP continues to be a very positive and worthwhile initiative and it is evidence of this Government’s continued commitment to provide development and training opportunities for all to support a sustainable workforce.”
Minister Fahy explained that while the Summer Employment Programme has been a longstanding initiative of the Department, it has most recently been overhauled and modernised to assist participants in the development of their career goals by connecting their summer work experience to their academic learning.
The Minister continued, “I have been advised that this year we have some exceptional students who are ready to engage in this work experience opportunity and eager to learn.
“Students are selected to participate in the programme based on academic merit, full-time enrolment in a college or university, community involvement, a formal interview, and written essays detailing career goals and educational pursuits.
“Participants are provided exposure to employment opportunities within Government and the private sector where they learn leadership and decision-making skills and are exposed to career and work competency standards.
“We recognize that it is important that we provide genuine opportunities for our next generation whether they are embarking on their studies or about to enter into the workforce by affording our young people access to real-world work experience, training and support.”
Some of the academic programmes that students are enrolled in include the fields of: Law; Business (Global Management, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources); Health (Pre-Medical, Physical Therapy, Global Health); Science (Environmental Science, Zoology); Human Services; Education; Information Technology; Mechanical Engineering; Motor Vehicle Mechanics; Television and Film Production; Tourism; and Arts and Communication.
Over the course of the summer, each student will complete the 10-week programme with 100% placed in their fields of study. For their efforts they will receive a $5,000 stipend.
Minister Fahy concluded, “This Government is heavily vested in our young people and that is demonstrated by our commitment and support of the Summer Employment Programme. We have increased the number of opportunities for work experience from 100 to 150 students.
“This was largely in anticipation of students returning from college seeking employment and to ensure that opportunities are provided for those students studying Technical Trades. As anticipated, the programme has been oversubscribed with overwhelming interest.
“It is important that our students are exposed to various work environments which stimulate their career interests. In addition to the meaningful work experience, students participating in the programme this year will engage in a Community Service Project, to encourage volunteerism, community consciousness and awareness.
“A committee of students will conceptualize the project for their peers to engage in, and I personally look forward to seeing the fulfilment of this initiative.”
Liked to have had a few more boys.
My thought exactly. This is a wonderful programme however after reading I realized that you have to be selected to participate in the programme based on academic merit, full-time enrollment in a college or university, community involvement, a formal interview, and written essays detailing career goals and educational pursuits. Because of it’s downsizing unfortunately the SEP has become geared towards the academic. Government initiatives should be open to all.
I concur with the few more boys. Doing so means we are going to have to deliberately recruit males particularly those who can be successful later, versus those who show academic merit now. Yet that is one of the criteria. Well intentioned but we may be increasing the divide between skills and experiences.
As the programme was oversubscribed I’d like to think the most worthy candidates were chosen regardless of gender (or any other potentially discrimatory factor).
Well done to those chosen!
Edit. discriminatory