ROADTOWN Tortola, BVI, July 15th, 2011  – The Department of Human Resources is once again hosting its annual Summer Apprenticeship Programme for college and university students and for secondary fourth form students.

The programme, which is held annually from May to August for College and University Students and from July to August for Secondary fourth form students provide them with the opportunity to be enriched through practical experience.Acting Director of Human Resources Mrs. Michelle Donovan Stevens speaking to the Department of Information and Public Relations explained the importance of the programme.

She said, “Despite the current economic climate, the public service remains committed to the summer apprenticeship programme and recognises the true value of the programme, which is the development of future leaders in both the public and private sectors.”

The major objectives of the programme are to allow participants the opportunity to experience the theoretical component of their studies in a practical environment; allow for a better understanding of how the organisation they are assigned to operates; work on and provide support for the progression or completion of a specific project or programme within the organisation; and provide a clearer understanding of the business of the Virgin Islands public service.

Additionally, the programme will provide an opportunity for the students to work on a meaningful initiative, project or programme, which should supply them with the practical experience and exposure to better understand and utilise their academic training.

Students taking part in the Summer Apprenticeship Programme are attached to ministries and departments giving them the opportunity to participate in a structured experience.

This is intended to give them practical exposure related to their areas of study. For college and university students while assigned to a specific initiative or project during the five-week programme are expected to learn about government while being mentored by the management of the ministry, department or unit.

Additionally, the work assigned to the students will challenge their abilities and allow them the opportunity to put critical components of their college education into practice while providing the ministry, department or unit with meaningful support.

Ms. Kaisa M. Penn, Human Resources Manager for Strategic Succession Planning within the Department of Human Resources and who has oversight over the programmes emphasises the importance of the programme and its functioning as a tool to expose, develop, and mentor young professionals.

 She further stressed, “The programme has evolved over the years and the Department will continue to support the programme as the benefits are many and they reach beyond the public service.”

The Department of Human Resources remains committed to ensuring that there is an adequate work pool to fill the needs of the public service and the annual Summer Apprenticeship Programme is one the department’s way of achieving that goal.

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