Eight University Students Begin ICT Internships
Eight university students who are aspiring to build careers in the Information Communication Technology [ICT] field will begin an intensive three-month internship with various local companies in the industry as the eighth annual Technology Leadership Forum [TLF] internship programme kicked off today with a brief ceremony at Deloitte.
Minister of Education Wayne Scott welcomed the interns to the 12 week programme, with Brandon Franke, Kyle Swan, Michelle’ Butterfield, Taiva Paynter, Steve Lawrence, Luis Correia, Victoria Santos, and Zi’ne Franklin set to start interning with the TLF sponsoring companies on May 30th.
The TLF is a registered charity that was originally formed to accommodate the growing need for qualified Bermudians in the ICT field. Since then, its primary goal has been to promote and foster technology education for college-level students.
While this is successfully achieved through the annual summer internship, the organization plans on broadening its outreach this year by expanding its programmes to younger students and exploring opportunities that would attract them to the field.
The summer internship gives students hands-on experience and exposure to the field via classroom learning, team projects and assignments. The students are not only trained in technology-related materials but they are also provided with soft skills training which industry partners deem to be as important as technical skills for professional development.
The interns are also given the opportunity to develop a technology-based product that would be beneficial to Bermuda and the world at large. This project allows them to apply their newly-acquired skills while honing those learned at university.
The project is at times the highlight of the programme, showcasing the innovation, creativity of the interns. At the completion of the programme, the interns will receive a certificate of excellence, which provides local employers with an additional layer of comfort since the curriculum itself is developed by local industry leaders.
Sandra DeSilva, Managing Director of Nova, and Chair of TLF said, “Technology is fundamentally changing the face of our world and, with a big thanks to our sponsors, this internship will hopefully provide these students with training, direction and guidance to help them be a part of this and benefit themselves and their country.
“On behalf of our sponsors, the board and team at the Technology Leadership Forum we would like to welcome these new interns and encourage them to embrace this opportunity.”
Gold Sponsor, Peter Aldrich General Manager of CCS Group explained why he is committed to the TLF and to mentoring young, local talent in the industry, saying: “CCS believes the TLF offers participating companies with the opportunity to engage with Bermudian IT talent, an industry where many companies find a shortfall in Bermudian resources.
“As the summer programme begins, we encourage the 2016 interns to leverage the opportunities afforded to them within the TLF Programme and by its participating companies.”
Gold Sponsor, Mary Kotch EVP CIO Validus Holdings explained that: “The insurance sector is drastically changing due to innovative technology use. As industry business models transform, technology will be an integral part of company survival.
“An important aspect to solving future technology-related problems is to foster a strong talent base. The TLF can help our youth as they seek careers in IT at a young age, and shed light on future career paths in technology.”
Minister of Economic Development, Dr. Grant Gibbons stated: “In today’s world, technology is a critical factor in the success of businesses, large and small. Technology enables us to strengthen our sophisticated business environment and allows entrepreneurs to reach outside the confines of our 21 square-mile Island.
“ICT supports all sectors and the need for an experienced ICT talent pool is certainly growing. With this in mind, we want our young people to understand that there are many ICT career paths. The TLF Internship Programme provides excellent opportunities for our youth and prepares them for the future. “
The TLF Internship Programme is sponsored by: CCS Group Ltd., the Department of E-Commerce, Validus Re, Deloitte, W&W Solutions Ltd., ACT, RenRe, Gateway and Logic Communications.
For more information on the Technology Leadership Forum Internship Programme, please visit TLF.bm. Companies interested in hosting a future TLF summer intern can contact the Coral Wells, TLF Program Manager and Managing Director of W&W Solutions Ltd at 400-3677.
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