Twenty Students Complete Tourism Internship Programme with
Twenty Virgin Islands students have completed the BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission's Summer Internship Programme, earning a $1,000 stipend for their work. Following the two-month initiative across leading resorts and marine facilities, several participants were offered permanent jobs in the local tourism and hospitality sector.
Twenty students across the British Virgin Islands have completed hands-on workplace training through the BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission's Tourism Education Summer Internship Programme, with several participants securing direct job offers in the territory's hospitality sector.
The initiative, which ran across the months of July and August, provided young Virgin Islanders with practical experience at premier resorts, yacht charters, and marine facilities. This year's programme doubled in size compared to the previous cohort of ten participants, pairing students with leading industry partners to build professional skills and explore career and entrepreneurial pathways.
Throughout their placements, interns rotated through vital operational areas including Front of House, Reception and Reservations, Marine and Boatyard Operations, Engineering, Customer Service, and Food and Beverage. Working alongside industry professionals, the students engaged with guests, observed daily business management, and developed a firsthand understanding of the standards required to deliver high-quality visitor experiences.
Each participant received a $1,000 stipend upon the successful completion of their placement. BVITBFC Product Director Vionie Pickering noted that the financial component recognized the students' time, dedication, and active contributions while complementing the learning opportunities provided on the job.
Pickering explained that the initiative builds directly on the foundation students receive through tourism education in the classroom by introducing them to real-world environments. She added that the practical exposure helps young people recognize diverse career opportunities and encourages them to pursue rewarding futures within the territory's primary economic pillar.
The programme was split into two monthly cohorts. The July participants included Lyannah Turnbull and D'Andre McSheen at Peter Island Resort; Kayla Smith at Scrub Island; Rakim Ashton, J'adore Turnbull, and Malachai Thomas at Nanny Cay; Daniel Prakash and Tkhoy John at The Moorings; John O'Neal and Nara George at Rosewood Little Dix Bay; and Briana Henry and Marquis Sam at Necker Island.
In August, placements continued with Brenique Dean at Scrub Island; Mary Joseph, Keyanna Sweeney, and Caleb Toussaint at Nanny Cay; Ayden Tyson and Trisson Mills at The Moorings; and Bree Henry and Dquanye Drew at Necker Island. Tourism officials and the Commission expressed gratitude to all host properties for their mentorship and partnership, emphasizing that direct industry collaboration remains essential to developing local talent and building a resilient, locally led tourism workforce.
Primary source: VINO