The National Internship and Apprenticeship Programme (NIAP) continues to strengthen human capital in the Turks and Caicos Islands by bridging the gap between formal education and meaningful work experience. Now completing its fourth cycle, the programme has achieved unprecedented success with its largest cohort to date: 120 interns placed across more than 40 public and private sector organisations.
This year marked a significant milestone for NIAP as the programme gained international recognition at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum. The programme was highlighted as an exemplary model of youth development that merits replication across the Caribbean region, recognizing its innovative approach to combining structured learning with real-world experience.
The programme’s data-driven framework and strategic communication approach have proven effective in creating pathways from education to meaningful employment, with participating interns demonstrating measurable skills advancement and increased career readiness.
The 2025 NIAP Closing Ceremony, held on 5th August under the theme “From Intern to Impact: Advancing with Skills, Purpose, and Pride,” showcased the programme’s growing national significance. The event, expertly hosted by Ms. Gemely Lubin, featured musical selections by Moe’ments of Sax and Mohen Cox, along with a heartfelt opening prayer by national intern Shandia Gardiner.
Delivering remarks on behalf of Premier Hon. Charles Washington Misick, Deputy Premier Hon. Jamell Robinson encouraged interns to carry forward their lessons with boldness, remain grounded in their values, and believe in their ability to make a lasting impact on their communities.
The ceremony’s keynote speaker, Special Constable and Forensic Crime Scene Investigator Rashaunda Cooke, exemplified the programme’s transformative power. As a former National Intern and Apprentice, she shared how NIAP served as a structured and supportive pathway in shaping her career in forensic crime scene investigation.
“The experience I gained impressed even my lecturers. NIAP gave me clarity and confidence,” Ms. Cooke shared, encouraging other young people to take full advantage of the opportunities the programme provides.
Arielle Neely, Career Advancement and Programme Coordinator, reflected on the programme’s remarkable evolution: “The NIAP continues to be a powerful vehicle for youth empowerment and national development. Rooted in data-driven frameworks and guided by strategic communication, this cycle marked a transformative leap, not just in numbers but in purpose. Under the theme ‘From Intern to Impact: Advancing with Skills, Purpose, and Pride,’ we welcomed our largest cohort to date, a testament to what’s possible when public and private sector partners unite. This programme is not only shaping future leaders, it’s proving that structured opportunity fuels sustainable impact.”
Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, emphasized the collaborative foundation of the programme’s success: “The National Internship and Apprenticeship Programme was established with a clear vision: to equip our students with meaningful, real-world experience that prepares them to lead.”
Minister Taylor continued, “This year’s theme, ‘From Intern to Impact: Advancing with Skills, Purpose, and Pride,’ reflects exactly what this programme delivers. NIAP has become a cornerstone of our human capital development strategy, and the success of this record-breaking cycle is proof that when we strengthen partnerships across government, industry, and community, we unlock limitless potential. As a Ministry, we are working tirelessly to expand these opportunities, because every young person in the Turks and Caicos Islands deserves a direct pathway from education to impact.”
This cycle saw significant enhancements to participant support services. The programme extends special gratitude to soft skills facilitators Denise Westcarr and Melanie Smith, who provided comprehensive training to over 60 new interns during this cycle, focusing on essential workplace competencies and professional development.
Additionally, Talent Recruitment Group will be offering each intern personalised resume development and hands-on refinement support, transforming their existing resumes into results-driven documents that highlight their unique strengths and career potential.
This record-breaking cohort embodies the very heart of the theme “From Intern to Impact: Advancing with Skills, Purpose, and Pride,” proving that with the right opportunities, young people can transform their potential into tangible impact for themselves and their communities.
The continued growth and international recognition of NIAP demonstrates the Turks and Caicos Islands’ commitment to investing in its youth and building a skilled workforce prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
For more information, contact the NIAP:
Email: careerservices@gov.tc
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