THE Seprod Group, through its Learning and Development Unit, hosted a networking luncheon on July 1 for the first cohort of its 2025 summer internship programme. The annual internship programme offers students valuable real-world exposure through placements across the Seprod Group and its subsidiaries, including but not limited to, information technology, logistics and warehousing, data analytics, accounting, marketing and sales and human resources.

The luncheon brought together interns from across the group and members of the management team. Through this programme, interns have been placed at several subsidiaries islandwide, including Seprod Corporate, Caribbean Products Company Limited (CPL), Jamaica Grain and Cereals Limited (JGC), Serge Dairies, Serge Island Farms, and Facey Commodity Limited.

In addressing the students, Richard Pandohie, chief executive officer of the Seprod Group, offered words of encouragement.

“As you move forward, remember it’s less about Seprod or where you are now, and more about the value you create wherever you go. Always continue to seek out opportunities to add value. Focus on building your brand and ask yourself: What will my legacy be?”

Osric Forrest, learning and development manager, emphasised the broader vision of the programme.

“The focus of this programme is to get skill sets from across the Jamaican landscape. The aim is to create a talent pool where persons can be provided with the skills that the Seprod Group and manufacturing industry require. This luncheon focuses on engaging our students and getting feedback on their experiences so far. The participants are excited, they are enjoying what they are doing and have expressed their interest to continue with the Seprod Group,” he added.

Amoya Rowe, a third-year environmental health student at the University of Technology, Jamaica, who is currently placed in the quality and innovation department at the Facey Commodity Merchandise division, shared her experience. “I’ve gained hands-on experience, especially when it comes to data logging, as it plays a vital role in traceability and operational efficiency. The field is very demanding, but I’ve learned how all elements — organisation, compliance, sanitation and quality control work together to make us regulatory ready,” she said.” These experiences have strengthened my interest in quality assurance and I think they will provide me with a strong foundation for the future.”

This year, the programme received 120 applicants, with 40 students already placed in summer roles. The six-week internship is delivered in three phases, and is expected to welcome two additional cohorts throughout July and August.