Jamaica’s Tourist Enhancement Fund (TEF) Summer Internship has pulled in an outstanding 12,000 applicants for this year’s program. Hon. Edmund Bartlett, the Minister of Tourism, applauded the youth of Jamaica looking to kick-start their career in the tourism industry.

The TEF Summer Internship Program
This 4-week program provides paid work experience across all 14 parishes in Jamaica in the tourism industry. Starting in 2007, the program has expanded to 90 partners in 2019. The course provides young people with hands-on personal and professional experience led by experts in a variety of sectors across the island. Candidates graduate with an internationally recognised qualification, preparing them for a career within tourism. Hon. Edmund Bartlett announced the incredible number of applications for this summer’s program, stating:
“When I look at the number 12,000—the young Jamaicans who applied to this program this year—I don’t just see statistics, I see 12,000 dreams”.

Personal and Professional Skills to Boost Resumes
Provided by three experienced and professional leaders, candidates will develop skills in updating resumes, transferring skills, and financial planning as well as paid work experience to learn on the job skills. The experts all provide their unique touch to the program, whilst Naomi Garrick encourages developing ‘soft skills’ that boost resumes and give candidates a boost to stand out. Tobia James offers practical advice on aligning transferable skills to tailor resumes to specific job requirements. Money Matters CEO, Kalilah Reynolds, encourages candidates to reconsider their approaches to wealth and promotes skills which aid in financial planning and budgeting.

The Summer Internship reinforces TEF’s commitment to providing youths with lasting employability and career advice rather than temporary solutions. To see if you could be eligible or to find out more, head to TEF’s website.
Have you ever participated in similar programs before? Share your experience in the comments!