The Government has partnered with TSTT to launch the Future Leaders Internship Programme (FLIP), designed to equip young people with skills in technology, communications, and artificial intelligence.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar met with the first cohort on Thursday at a ceremony at the Diplomatic Centre.
She applauded the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) for its support of young people and reiterated her passion for youth development. She also emphasised the importance of technical and vocational training.
“We must invest in Tech Voc education because not everyone is into academia. But without the skills from Tech Voc, a nation cannot grow. So that is a very important thing. So I say empower you through AI and digital skills, invest in Tech Voc education so young people gain practical, future-ready competencies, promote ethical and inclusive digital literacy.”
Six hundred young people, out of 17,000 applicants, were selected for the first cohort of the inaugural programme. The group was chosen through a merit-based selection process and will be undertaking the programme across Trinidad and Tobago, working with volunteer facilitators, educators, and industry professionals.
While these 600 will receive particular attention, the Prime Minister said the programme still offers benefits for all applicants.
“So from thousands of applicants, you 600 were selected, and yet every applicant still benefits through a free two-day AI course, designed for non-technical learners covering fundamentals, key risks, and real world uses. So, whilst you 600 have been selected, I’m told from the thousands who applied, Minister, is that correct? That there will be for all who apply a two-day AI course which you can benefit from. So if you’re not selected to be on track, on course, TSTT, the Board of Management, and bmobile, you will still benefit.”
Minister in the Ministry of Public Utilities, Clyde Elder, shared why the decision was taken to fund the programme.
“But like me, you too were not intended to be here today. But because of a new government and a government that cares, and especially our Prime Minister who cares about young people, you are here today. And you are here today because a decision was taken to take funds that were otherwise intended for two individuals and use those funds for 600 interns.”
The programme will see the interns placed at the company for three weeks to be trained in technical, sales, telecoms, and customer service, among other areas within the field, in a real-world environment.