A partnership between the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation (JCTI) and Sandals Resorts International (SRI) will see students from western Jamaica benefiting from the JCTI Hospitality and Tourism Management programme.

Slated to run from July 21 to August 25, students enrolled in the programme will complete four weeks of work experience at selected Sandals Resorts in Jamaica.

Numerous students from St Elizabeth Technical and Frome High schools were recently hosted for a day at Sandals South Coast, where they were briefed on the programme by the Sandals’ Learning and Development team.

The participants also engaged in one-on-one discussions and interviews to determine the departments and resorts in which they will be placed.

Sixth-form student of St Elizabeth Technical High School, Nyeka Barrett said she was truly grateful for the opportunity to gain experience in the hospitality industry.

“I think this is a great opportunity for my schoolmates and I. This is a step forward as we familiarise ourselves with what is expected of us, not only in the working world but also in this industry. It will be a great opportunity for reserved persons to step outside their comfort zones and interact more with others,” said a beaming Barrett.

In the meantime guidance counsellor at Frome High School, Hyacinth Headley-Lewis said the internship will be a great character boost for her students.

“I am happy that our students are being given this opportunity. They are currently in their final year of high school and this work experience will help to empower them as they embark on the journey of choosing their career paths. Thank you to Sandals Resorts for assisting in driving this programme — and I hope that other schools will have the opportunity to be a part of this great initiative,” Headley-Lewis added.

According to learning and development manager at Sandals South Coast, Navray McMahon, SRI has always been involved in making waves by introducing youngsters to the hospitality industry.

“This is another programme that will facilitate their growth. The benefit we will get from this is knowing that we are continuously uplifting our younger generation and pouring into our communities. This initiative will give the participants the opportunity to be a part of something worthwhile during their summer holiday,” said McMahon.

She shared that this is a significant career-building opportunity for the students, some of whom will be at a resort for the first time. It is her desire that whatever they learn during their tenure will be something they can build on, share in their communities, and use to encourage more youth to take advantage of this opportunity.