Technology Leadership Graduation Ceremony
On Wednesday August 19, the Technology Leadership Forum [TLF] celebrated the successful completion of the TLF Summer Internship Programme by three interns, with graduation certificates presented to Alexis Burgess, Charnea Richardson and Christopher Wellman by Senator Vic Ball and TLF Chairperson Ms. Sandra Desilva.
The ceremony was held at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, with family members and representatives from a variety of companies, in attendance.
A spokesperson said, “The TLF Board, participating sponsors and mentors congratulate the students on a job well done. During the 12 intensive weeks of the programme, the 2015 TLF interns acquired experience in the ICT industry through classroom learning, fieldwork as interns at participating companies and a team project in which they came up with a concept, pitched it and then developed it.
“For this year’s project the interns showed initiative and innovation through the development of a prototype of a web-application providing visitors and locals with public transportation updates and information.
“The TLF was founded 8 years ago in response to a need for qualified Bermudian talent in the ICT field. The registered charity is run in partnership between private and public sector technology companies and organizations.
“The TLF’s prime objectives are to encourage dialogue, address challenges and propose action steps, mentor ICT students and young professionals and to be a networking group amongst peers. In the coming year the TLF intends on expanding their outreach to include primary through high-school aged youth based programs designed to encourage students to get involved with technology at an early age.”
The evening began with a commencement address delivered by Senator Vic Ball, who said, “The 2015 TLF Internship graduates are well on their way with the initial steps of their educational pursuits and participating in this internship program. There are no limits to where they may go as they build their networks, continue to create new knowledge and become more involved in ICT careers.”
“The interns received a certificate of excellence, which represents the level of expertise gained as a result of completing the curriculum designed by the TLF industry partners. During the classroom training sessions, students focused on modules such as Business Continuity, Project Management, Information Security, Data Warehousing, Programming, and Networking, to name a few.
“These modules were taught by industry professionals and intended to provide the students with a basic overview of the topics. It is the hope of the TLF that these modules will encourage students to focus on areas of study which are of the greatest need in Bermuda businesses.”
TLF Chair Sandra Desilva, Alexis Burgess, Charnae Richardson, Chris Wellman, and Senator Vic Ball:
“One of the benefits of this internship program is the networking opportunities available to the students and the local ICT partners. Additionally, the partners know that students graduating from the program can become beneficial members of a company’s workforce with experience and hands on training.
“The success of the programme is reflected in the hiring of TLF internship graduates by organizations such as the Bermuda Hospitals Board, Orbis, Nova, CCS, Elbow Beach Bermuda, ACT and the Ascendant Group.
Sandra Desilva, Managing Director of Nova and TLF Board Chair, said, “I am so proud of all of our TLF graduates today. It has been a pleasure to watch them all grow and learn throughout the internship program. I am hopeful that they all continue to challenge themselves to learn more and do more so that we truly have some excellent talent in the years to come.”
“Two special awards were handed out, including the Most Outstanding Intern and the Most Inspiring IT Professional Award.
“The Most Outstanding Intern was awarded to an intern who had made a positive and lasting impression on the TLF sponsor companies during the summer internship, embodying the objectives of the TLF Internship Programme. While academic and work performance was critical in the consideration of the most outstanding student, the intern’s leadership potential, maturity and growth during the programme was impressive. This year’s winner was Christopher Wellman.
“The success of the TLF Internship Programme rests with the participation of ICT professionals who give of their time and expertise through teaching, mentoring and networking with each year’s interns. In a programme where the interns are expected to go above and beyond, it is no surprise that the ICT professionals involved do so as well and more.
“The Most Inspiring IT Professional Award is the interns’ acknowledgment of an ICT professional who made an impact on the cohort by providing instruction, advice and counsel to enable them to move towards their career goals. This year the interns chose Mr. David Petty.”
Ms. DeSilva said, “It is no secret that the success of this programme is the direct result of the time and efforts that our sponsors dedicate to educating and mentoring our TLF interns”. The 2015 TLF sponsors include Department of E-Commerce, CCS, Logic, Nova, Renaissance Re, ACT, Elbow Beach Bermuda, Independent Consulting Solutions and BCS/IBM.
“The companies who provided the training and training facilities were also recognised: CCS, Bermuda Hospitals Board, Ascendant Group, Fireminds, Nova, Deloitte, First Atlantic Commerce, Department of Workforce Development, Jan Fraser, John Gill and the Bermuda College.”
For more information on the Technology Leadership Forum Internship Programme, visit the website.
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