Summer internship launches IT students' careers

MONDAY, MAY 30: The third annual Technology Leadership Forum (TLF) Internship Programme, which aims to encourage Bermuda’s information technology (IT) students to become exposed to the many career directions that one can pursue, was launched on Monday by the Minister of Business Development and Tourism, Patrice Minors.

Eight students, Matthew Coelho, Justin Tucker, Philip Roque Jr., Hannah Collins, Bryan Turner, Cornel Castle Jr., Tilhan Chitrananda, and Derwin Adams, have been selected by the TLF and they will be part of an intensive 12-week summer internship program, where they will acquire experience in the ICT industry through classroom learning, team projects, and fieldwork as members of staff at a participating company.

The TLF was founded four years ago because of an identified need for qualified Bermudian talent in the information communications technology (ICT) field and is run in partnership with private sector technology companies and organizations.

The TLF comprises key influencers and leaders in the technology industry in Bermuda. Their prime objectives are to encourage dialogue, address issues, propose action steps, and to be a networking group amongst peers. 

Minister Minors said the TLF would help to address theshortage of experienced Bermudians in the IT sector.  She highlighted that half of the 2009 and 2010 interns have secured employment, a significant achievement when one considers that some of the former interns are also in the midst of their studies.

“The Ministry of Business Development and Tourism, is excited to take the lead in sponsoring this initiative which serves to provide our youth with the opportunities and tools they need to help them succeed in the ever changing world of information technology,” Minister Minors said.

Minister Minors took the opportunity today to also thank all of the valued sponsors and partners who have demonstrated their tangible support for the initiative.

This includes:

• BELCO

• BHB

• Quo Vadis

• Department of E-Commerce

• ICS

• RenRE

• North Rock Communications

• Logic

• Ignition

• Bermuda College

Companies providing training include:

• Department of Labour & Training/ Bermuda Careers Centre

• Department of E-Commerce

• Bermuda Hospitals Board

• BELCO

• First Atlantic Commerce

• PriceWaterhouse Coopers

• Ernst & Young

• Nova

• RenRe