Tourism Sector Excited To Host 100 Education Interns This Summer

“We are thrilled to be able to one again create this opportunity to strengthen and build on the relationship we have with the Ministry of Education and educators throughout The Bahamas.  While tourism is the lifeblood of our economy, teachers are its soul which touches and influences our potential employees in profound ways,” says Beverly Saunders, Chairperson of Workforce Development at The Bahamas Hotel Association.
 
With more than 1,000 classifications of jobs within the tourism industry in The Bahamas, and countless entrepreneurial possibilities, the internship program presents a powerful professional development opportunity for educators to enhance their understanding of the industry and the opportunities it presents to young people.  According to the program organizers, it is stimulating educators to explore new and innovative teaching strategies to bring tourism into the classroom.
 
The internship program will be held on Grand Bahama later in the Summer.  Approximately 50 educators participated last year and organizers expect to exceed that number this year.
 
The private sector is participating at several levels, conducting workshops following an opening ceremony on the changing workplace, and a ‘conversation with industry leaders’ on the opening day.  Approximately 15 hotels and tourism-related businesses will operate as placement and training sites for interns for three days, and the internship experience will culminate with a final day feedback and brainstorming session on strengthening the partnership between education and industry.
 
Commenting on the seventh anniversary of the highly successful program, BHA Workforce Development Manager Bridget Murray stated “We are delighted to be celebrating our 7th year of internships for our educators. We applaud the more than 600 educators who have invested in their time and professional development over the summer to learn how to better connect tourism to their school experience.  Having worked with our educators over the years, we are assured, from their comments and commitment to the program, that they have benefited tremendously from the exposure”.
 
The program has evolved over the years to include more properties and allied businesses, as well as teachers participating in the one-week immersion. “We are indebted to our host properties and take this opportunity to encourage others to join us in hosting our esteemed educators” adds Ms. Murray.
 
Spaces are limited and interested educators are encouraged to contact our offices @ 323-3381, 502-4222, 502-424, lallen@bahamashotels.org to register or obtain additional information. Ministry of Education educators will receive Professional Development Credits for participating in the programme. The deadline is fast approaching!