Trainees of Island Site Development ‘Earn While You Learn’ Apprenticeship in conjunction with Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), recently completed the five-week programme in New Providence. Shown from left to right are: Jailen McIntosh, Rayven Edwards, Maquesha Francois, Percival Curry and Chalice Reckley.

Photo: Island Site Development

All seven participants of the Island Site Development (ISD) ‘Earn While You Learn’ Apprenticeship Programme have been hired by the civil engineering and infrastructure company.

Following the success of ISD’s pilot cohort in Grand Bahama, it has once again partnered with Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) to continue the programme – this time expanding to New Providence.

The programme began with 20 students who underwent a few weeks of training in the areas of Carpentry and Electrical. ISD then selected the top eight performers for on-the-job experience in the same areas. Seven of them stayed the course and in early November during a certificate ceremony, ISD announced that they all were awarded jobs, much to the pleasure of the audience.

Jailen McIntosh said the programme provided him with valuable hands-on training in the fundamentals of carpentry while strengthening skills he already possessed.

“The structured theory course combined with practical application, not only reinforced my existing skills but also gave me a more detailed understanding of the field. I gained more confidence in my craftsmanship and improved my problem-solving abilities in carpentry,” said the 22-year-old.

Describing the programme as a “meaningful learning experience,” Jailen said he is now motivated to continue applying excellence to real-world carpentry projects.

His classmate, Ravyn Edwards, described her time in the apprenticeship programme as a “solid learning journey.”

“I’ve been working in the trenches, mainly dealing with infrastructure. This has given me a stronger foundation in understanding the electrical field. The hands-on exposure and guidance I have received will be helpful in me building the skills I need to know. I’m glad I’ve been afforded this experience,” said the 19-year-old.

During the initial apprenticeship initiative in Grand Bahama, 10 students participated and five of them were awarded employment with ISD.

ISD President, James Mosko, congratulated the apprentices for their steadfastness and encouraged them to keep growing.

“Do it right the first time, even if it takes longer. Make sure you learn everything. We want to see you become entrepreneurs – sub contractors. We want to see you get ahead,” said Mr. Mosko.

ISD Human Resources Manager, Jacklyn Frazer-Butler, said the programme has tremendously benefited the company.

“It has enabled us to engage in community building as well as allowing us to take steps towards addressing the skills gap in the area of construction. This would allow us to engage more skilled local labour.” said Ms. Frazer-Butler.

Ms. Frazer-Butler expressed excitement about partnering with BTVI for the second cohort of apprentices.

“BTVI has a track record that speaks for itself, being one of the top institutions in The Bahamas. Given the mandate that ISD has taken on to facilitate training for Bahamians, we saw it as the perfect partnership. ISD has seen wonderful results from the Grand Bahama cohort in which successful applicants assisted in building the Celebration Key Project and we hope to achieve similar results for our Nassau-based projects,” stated Ms. Frazer-Butler.

BTVI President, Dr. Linda A. Davis, said ISD has demonstrated true vision and commitment by investing in the development of the nation’s workforce through their willingness to provide hands-on training and employment opportunities.

“It’s indicative of the kind of collaboration needed to close the skills gap that exist in The Bahamas. We need more companies to follow your lead. Mr. Mosko, you and your team have opened your company’s doors, shared your expertise and helped cultivate the next generation of skilled professionals.  and that’s the heart of BTVI’s role in this programme – empowering Bahamians to be both capable and confident as skilled professionals,” said Dr. Davis.

BTVI’s Head of Department (HOD) for Construction and Mechanical Trades, New Providence, Shannon Williams, noted that the apprenticeship programme demonstrates the power of industry–education collaboration.

“Students gain access to tuition-free education and immediate, income-generating job opportunities, with minimal barriers to entry. They develop lifelong theoretical and practical skills and apply them directly in real-world settings, without needing prior experience or waiting months for employment. This should be considered as more than just an opportunity but as a gift of a lifetime,” said Mr. Williams.