PEPSI-COLA Jamaica continues to pave the way for Jamaica’s youth to fulfil their dreams by providing tuition assistance and summer internships.

For 2022 promising scholar Ricardo Shields was the recipient.

The 20-year-old is in his second-year at Caribbean Maritime University pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics.

Recognising the wealth of talent among Jamaica’s youth spanning various industries, including technical and manufacturing specialties, Pepsi-Cola Jamaica says it is committed to honing and growing these skill sets through its talent programme.

The programme focuses on identifying opportunities for mentorship and other areas of development for university students.

Touched by Shields’ journey to tertiary education Pepsi-Cola Jamaica did not hesitate to reach out to him.

The internship, which began in June, will wrap in September.

Shields describes his experience as eye-opening.

“Working on the plant since June, surrounded by all the machinery, was certainly a win-win situation for me. My first day was an exciting one. Overall, the experience has been a good challenge… I’ve been exposed to technology and processes that made me excited for the future of manufacturing in Jamaica. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn, especially within the context of my career path,” he shared.

Chantelle Richards, human resource manager at Pepsi-Cola Jamaica, shared: “Pepsi-Cola Jamaica continues to invest in practical ways to help young Jamaicans realise their true potential. We seek to equip persons with resources and experience to make positive contributions to the country.

“Ricardo is passionate about excelling in his craft. In addition to pursuing studies that is relevant to the manufacturing industry, a key qualifier for our Youth Outreach and Talent Program is an eager attitude and a commitment to achieving one’s goals — he was a perfect fit. We look forward to continuing our relationship with him.”

To date, through its youth outreach and talent program, Pepsi-Cola Jamaica has come to the aid of over 40 university students across the island.

“My circumstances were certainly less than ideal,” said Shields. “I struggled financially for a long time and I know many young persons would love an opportunity to show their potential and talent, but are not given a chance. For me, it was the fact that Pepsi took the time to acknowledge my story and consider my potential. I am truly overwhelmed by their kindness and will be forever grateful for the opportunity.”

While crediting his tenacity to his faith and conviction to always doing the right thing, he cautioned his peers and other struggling individuals to never be shy to ask for help:

“As long as you have the determination to achieve something out of life, put aside your pride and ask for help. I understand that it is a hard thing to do. For some time I was worried about what others would say about my struggles, especially when they became public, but I quickly realised that had I not asked for help I would not be where I am today.”

Now more hopeful about his future, Shields is eager to become a mechanical engineer… at Pepsi-Cola Jamaica.