217 Students Join Summer Apprenticeship Programme
A total of 217 high school and college students have been placed in the Virgin Islands Public Service Summer Apprenticeship Programme, taking roles across ministries, departments, statutory agencies and private-sector businesses. The Department of Human Resources and the Department of Labour and Workforce Development ran orientation sessions emphasising workplace expectations, with apprentices receiving a paid stipend and a certificate on completion.
Two hundred and seventeen students have been placed in the Virgin Islands Public Service Summer Apprenticeship Programme, the government announced on June 9, 2026. Participants — drawn from high schools and colleges across the territory — will work in ministries, departments, statutory agencies and private-sector businesses as part of a season-long initiative to build practical skills and workforce experience.
Orientation sessions for the programme were facilitated by the Department of Human Resources through the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute. The sessions focused on workplace expectations and professionalism and were designed to help students transition from the classroom into a working environment.
Speakers at the orientations included Premier and Minister of Finance Dr Natalio Wheatley, Deputy Governor David Archer, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, Acting Labour Commissioner Mervin Hastings and other government officials. Deputy Governor Archer said the placements show the government’s commitment to youth development. "The Public Service Summer Apprenticeship Programme is a testament to the Government of the Virgin Islands' unwavering commitment to investing in our young people.
These students represent the future of our territory, and it is our responsibility to ensure they are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to lead," he said. Archer urged apprentices to make full use of the opportunity: "I encourage each apprentice to make the most of this opportunity, to ask questions, to observe, to learn, and to bring their best every day of their placement." The programme is jointly administered by the Department of Human Resources and the Department of Labour and Workforce Development.
Acting Labour Commissioner Mervin Hastings addressed students during orientation and pledged continued support for initiatives that strengthen the future workforce. Acting Deputy Director of Human Resources Cara Christopher described the apprenticeship as a longstanding pathway into employment: "Every year, we are proud to welcome students into the Public Service and create pathways for them into the private sector," she said.
Director of the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute Dr Connie George added that the programme exposes young people to professional environments while promoting "the values of service, integrity, and excellence," and officials said they look forward to seeing what the 217 apprentices achieve.
Apprentices are treated as full members of staff during their placements, receive a paid stipend for the duration of the programme and obtain a certificate of completion once they finish. For BVI residents, the scheme represents a practical investment in local talent and a direct effort to build skills and career pathways for the territory’s young people.
Primary source: BVI News