The skills learned at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) are now being applied in the workplace by 67 students on four-week internships for the spring semester.
Interns will work for 40 hours a week each, amounting to 160 hours -- a requirement for graduation, and are experiencing work life at various organizations -- Culmer's Plumbing and Platinum Welding, the Ministry of Education, the Bahamas Electricity Corporation and the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC).
The Student Affairs Department held a seminar prior to the commencement of internships, with Student Affairs Coordinator Racquel Bethel giving them advice they would need to be successful in the workplace. She told students that the experience was not only about skills but work ethics as well.
"Add value to the institution you're going to," Bethel advised the students. "Have the right attitude. Don't go in there with the mind to show off. Every organization has a corporate culture. Go to learn. You're not to go there to be the boss and take over," she cautioned.
Office assistant student, Mitzi Sanches, 18, said she expected to gain work experience from her internship and to complete all tasks assigned to her, even the challenging ones.
"I want to gain knowledge every day if possible while networking."
Keisa Knowles, who is studying towards an Associate's of Applied Science degree in Information Technology Management, said BTVI has prepared her well to enter the workplace.
"This internship is a chance to exercise everything I've learned such as disassembling and assembling laptops and desktops," she said. "Initially, I saw BTVI as just a place to gain knowledge, but it's not just an institution. I've gained a family," said the 25-year-old.
Dean of Construction Trades Alexander Darville encouraged the interns to apply safety rules while on the job.
"Regardless of your discipline, closed shoes are important -- whether you are at the office or on the construction site. If you are sitting on a chair that is rocky, you need to respectfully say something because it could injure your back. What you would have learned here, express it," said Darville.
Beyond the necessary paper work, Darville further suggested to students to keep a personal diary of their internship, documenting experiences and evaluating their performance and growth at the culmination of the four weeks.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian