News
Labour Department Apprenticeship Program Launched, over 100 regisiter
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, June 24, 2022 – Just over 100 of the 180 tertiary students in the Turks and Caicos are already registered for the government’s new apprenticeship and internship program. The program was officially launched on Tuesday, June 21st but applications have been coming in for some time.
Minister of Education Rachel Taylor described the program as “a strategic mechanism to bridge the gaps, to empower our youth, to transform lives and achieve human capital development goals.”
Taylor referenced the National Skills Audit noting that youth were sometimes blocked from employment opportunities because they lacked experience and the program aimed to fix that.
The program will work in two parts providing 6-week internships for students in college and flexible 1-month to 9-month long apprenticeships for graduates leaving or out of college.
Labour Commissioner Edwin Taylor broke down the program and explained the main aims.
“There was a set of information that students gave to us which was troubling. A lot of students indicated that after completing university they didn’t plan to stay in the Turks and Caicos; a lot of them indicated they didn’t see opportunities for them. This program is not just to give them skills but to give them hope and to prove to them that there is a place for them here in the Turks and Caicos.”
The Government thus hopes to use the program to, “Bridge the gap between employment and the education field. The program is geared towards giving them real-life experience in their field of study with a reputable institution in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
The program is for all students whether they are studying in the TCI or overseas and will carry compensation for all participants, where companies lack the funds to compensate students the government will step in and cover the cost. Apart from experience, the idea is to connect students with employers so they know of companies that can use their skills when they graduate.
He explained that the program will be mutually beneficial for both students and employers and they will have guidelines to make sure both are getting the maximum benefit from the program.
“Companies will be obligated to pair them with a mentor who can monitor them and provide them with full rules of engagement and guidelines and descriptions of the jobs,” Commissioner Taylor said.
Students will also spend two hours a week learning the soft skills most desired by overseas companies including active listening, Critical thinking, customer service training, people management, emotional intelligence, and workplace protocol.
There were several success stories shared in the meeting. TCI Islander and UK-certified Lawyer Arnelle Taylor explained how internships had prepared her for work.
“There were many practical and pragmatic benefits to participating in internships while pursuing my tertiary education. They allowed me to supplement the theory of what was learned in the classroom into real work-life practice.” She said.
Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development Akierra Missick praised the program saying she was well aware of the acute lack of technical workers including engineers, road developers, land-use planners, etc. in her industry.
Director of Youth in the Department of Youth Jasmine Thomas explained that the internship would help to create the 21st century youth noting that they were fully on board with the program.
“The national youth policy speaks to enhancing social capital and enhancing the resilience of young people through intellectual capital in order to provide sustainable employment thus creating the 21st century youth to contribute to national development.”
To augment this program a Labour Market Information System will be developed in the latter part of the year to provide real time information for companies. Commissioner Taylor explained that students would have a passport-like document showing all of their work experience.
“We want to start a passport program where an individual will be able to carry around their resume showing every time, they attend any of these internships that you as partners in this initiative would be able to have direct access to through that Labour Market Information System.” He told business
Minister Taylor chimed in, “Your information will be presented to us in real time so that through our succession planning we will be able to ensure that our people with the right skill sets are placed in the right jobs.” She explained that a TCI delegation would be soon traveling to the Cayman Islands to observe their own system to advise implementation in the TCI
Minister Taylor was particularly grateful to the companies who had made themselves available for internships.
“The excitement that I get from the companies is so rewarding and so encouraging. I want to thank each and every one of you, you are our partners who are going to assist us in reaching each and every one of our goals.” She said.
The launch was attended by Premier Washington Misick, Deputy Premier E. Jay. Saunders, Minister of PPID Akeirra Missick, and representatives from companies across the TCI.
The deadline for more applications is Friday, June 24th and the actual internships will begin by early July.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
-
Caribbean News1 week agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News7 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News7 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
TCI News5 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Caribbean News1 week agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news1 week agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
Bahamas News7 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays
-
TCI News7 days agoPolice Swarm Five Cays, newest murder victim is 37 year-old man