Hundreds of young people across Trinidad and Tobago are one step closer to gaining valuable work-ready skills, thanks to a new initiative by the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (TSTT).
The company officially launched its Future Leaders Internship Programme (FLIP) on Monday, kicking off a three-week journey of growth, exposure and opportunity, aimed at equipping unemployed youth with digital and professional development tools.
As the company welcomed 600 young people aged 17 to 21 to the orientation session, Acting Vice-President of Operations and Administration, Debra Thomas, said FLIP was designed to build a digitally fluent and work-ready talent pool.
“So we are going to FLIP you from who you are today into a future leader who will continue to grow our talent pool and contribute to nation-building. Over the next three weeks, you will have the chance to build digital and professional skills, learn how different parts of a large company operate, and see how your own talents fit into the world of work. You will be in one of five areas: technical, sales, customer service, support services, or quality assurance. But whatever your stream, you will be exposed to all sides of the business.”
Acting Chief Executive Officer of TSTT, Keino Cox, said FLIP resonates with him, as he also started out as an intern at TSTT. He reminded young people that this programme could be the beginning of a very successful career.
“Most of us are familiar with companies such as Facebook, WordPress, and even Dell. Those founders share one thing in common: they were 19 years old when they started the companies – the same age as some of you all. What it means is that somewhere in this room, there can be a next founder of Dell, a next founder of Facebook, a next founder of WordPress. What it truly means is that this morning is just making a connection in a real way.”
World-renowned cricketer and brand ambassador for bmobile, Nicholas Pooran, urged the participants to take advantage of the life-changing opportunity.
“I was given an opportunity at the age of 16, 17 years to represent Red Steel in the CPL, and I scored 54 in my first game. I was given that opportunity by Mr. Dwayne Bravo, who is one of my mentors and the reason why I said that is because that was my one opportunity and my first opportunity and I never looked back. So life is about opportunities, but you need to be ready to take them.”
FLIP runs from August 11th to 30th through a blend of virtual and in-person sessions.