Enterprise Cayman workforce development initiative expands programme to include work placements and mentorships
Cayman Enterprise City Is Connecting Caymanians With Innovative Careers being created within Cayman’s Special Economic Zones.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (10 February 2020) – Cayman Enterprise City’s (CEC) workforce development programme, Enterprise Cayman is now offering multiple ways to help young Caymanians get workforce ready. The expanded offerings are designed to ensure that as many young Caymanians and residents as possible have access to quality learning experiences and opportunities to pursue dynamic careers available within Cayman’s award winning special economic zones, which include Cayman Tech City, Cayman Maritime & Aviation City and Cayman Commodities & Derivatives City.
“We recognise that work experience is crucial to Caymanian’s future development within their chosen industry. This is why CEC has created diverse ways to get young people and career changers involved within Cayman’s vibrant special economic zones. Whether you’re taking an internship, mentorship or work placement, you will gain countless work readiness skills required to launch your career,” said Charlie Kirkconnell, Chef Executive Officer at CEC.
Summer in the City Internship Programme
The Summer in the City internship programme is now accepting online applications. The deadline to apply is 22 March 2020. The initiative is open to Caymanians and residents of the Cayman Islands between the ages of 18-25 and features internships lasting between one to two months during the summer months. The programme aims to place 20+ young people in internships across a number of sectors including internet technology, software development, science & technology, client experience & business operations and marketing & communications.
Mentorship Programme
The Mentorship Programme is designed to be customisable per participant and can last anywhere from one “pep-talk” session to 6-month placements where mentors or industry professionals meet with their mentee’s once a month.
Samsara Leung a participant in the mentorship programme discussed her experience with one of the Cayman Tech City companies. “When I first started with Valerian Capital, my programming knowledge was largely theoretical. However, as the program went on, I got to learn a new coding language ‘R’ and got to practice real world applications. It really opened my eyes about the advancements in technology and has overall provided me with further answers on my career path.”
Work Placement Programme
The Work Placement Programme is designed for career changers who may be too old to apply to the Summer in the City internship programme but are still looking for work experience opportunities within the special economic zones. Successful candidates will cultivate strong educational records and have an ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments. Work placements are open to all Caymanians and residents within the age 25 +.
Of last year’s 15 internship placements, four participants walked out with full-time jobs, Aaron Santamaria, Matthew Elphinstone, Roshane McField and Safiyah Raudales will now become part of the Cayman Tech City community. Aaron Santamaria, who now works with Brave Software International SEZC as a Support Engineer said “my advice for future interns would be to make the most of it. Take every opportunity to learn from the industry leaders. These are incredible global companies we have access to right here in our backyard. Participating in the Summer in the City Internship programme is the best thing I could have done, because of this it has allowed me to start my career in technology.”
Over 35 special economic zone companies took part in the annual networking event arranged by CEC. Companies got to interact with multiple internship applicants and offer career advice. Ryan Watson, Director of IT & Infrastructure at Brave Software International SEZC explained, “The past interns have shown outstanding technical ability and Brave Software is looking forward to another exciting year of applications.”
Applications are now being accepted for the 2020 Enterprise Cayman “Summer in the City” Internship, Mentorship and Work Placement programme. The deadline to apply is 22 March 2020. For more information, applications can be found online(www.enterprisecayman.ky). Queries can be directed to [email protected]
Image Caption:: Cayman Enterprise City host annual networking event with all the Summer in the City applicants. Aaron Santamaria and Taija Rae gather around to talk to Jack Copper Managing Director of NeuralStudio SEZC.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://www.caymanenterprisecity.com/enterprise-cayman
Twitter: @CEC_Cayman
Facebook: Cayman Enterprise City
Instagram: @Cayman Enterprise City
LinkedIn: @Cayman Enterprise City
Enterprise Cayman is a partnership between Cayman Enterprise City and the Cayman Islands Government and is designed to connect Caymanians with opportunities within the Special Economic Zones (SEZs). SEZs include, Cayman Tech City, Cayman Commodities & Derivatives City, and Cayman Maritime & Aviation City. The partnership’s primary focus is to help young Caymanians, including those who wish to re-tool for a career change, acquire the skills they need to fill the jobs that are being created within the SEZs. Other goals include raising local awareness of and interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) careers and, in partnership with the National Workforce Development Agency, helping high school and college students acquire the resume writing, job interview techniques and networking skills needed to pursue STEM careers. Additionally, Enterprise Cayman offers an annual summer internship program aimed at young people ages 18 to 25, hosts an online jobs portal, supports the University College of the Cayman Islands’ STEM initiatives, and facilitates a Coding Academy.
