Royal Gazette: SkillCraft Youth Internship offers chance to work and learn
More than a dozen students in Bermuda are learning the tools of the social-media trade as part of the SkillCraft Youth Internship programme this summer.
This year marks the second year of the programme, led by Margot Shane, the coach and programme director.
Ms Shane said: “To be afforded the opportunity to run SkillCraft for a second year is an incredible privilege in that we get to build on the successes of last year to create a programme that exceeds the expectations of both our youth interns and host businesses.
“This year, we will be offering our 15 young people more curriculum time and coaching support to ensure they are empowered to become knowledgeable ‘mini social media marketers’ in just six weeks.
“Interns will also be required to deliver at least three months worth of social-media posts ensuring that businesses are equipped with a potential source of plug-and-play content.”
Aziza Furbert and Veronica DeGraff have joined the SkillCraft team for the summer, with Ms Furbert to teach the interns marketing and social media management and running strategy workshops with the host organisations.
Ms DeGraff will support Ms Shane and the SkillCraft team with coaching and facilitating the programme.
A SkillCraft spokeswoman said: “Interns will acquire knowledge and skills in the fundamentals of marketing and social media at the Bermuda Clarity Institute Learning Lab every week.
“The 15 youth interns have been paired with one organisation each, where they will practise what they learn and help with social media throughout the six weeks.”
The organisations hosting the interns include: AboutFace Aesthetics, Ad Astra, Arches Podiatry, the Bermuda Gymnastics Association, the Bermuda National Trust, the Bermuda Society of Arts, the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, Blue Water Divers Bermuda, Citizens Uprooting Racism Bermuda, Dayrosia, Harmony Birth Services, Healthcare Solutions, Inspired, Nadz Beauty and The Mirrors Programme.
“Last Monday, interns took part in their first marketing session on marketing fundamentals with programme marketing expert Ms Furbert,” the spokeswoman said.
“The interns were filled with enthusiasm in cultivating their knowledge and skills as they began working with their respective host organisations.”
The Skillcraft internships are open to students aged 16 to 18. In the six-week programme, the participants are full-time interns at the sponsoring organisations. They are paid $15 an hour.
The programme runs from July 3 to August 11.