–15 students begin internship at local companies

FIFTEEN students from the School of the Nations and Camille’s Academy will now gain first-hand work experience through the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (GCCI) 2025 ‘Teenternship’ Programme, officially launched on Friday last at the GCCI Secretariat on Waterloo Street, Georgetown.
In a recent press release on Saturday, the GCCI noted that the two-week internship, which forms part of this year’s National Small Business Week (NSBW), will give Grade 10 and 11 students an opportunity to build real-world skills while being attached to 14 member companies of the Chamber. The programme focuses on leadership, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and management, key areas needed for the modern business world.

President of the GCCI, Kathy Smith, encouraged the students to explore their passions and use the experience to discover their strengths. ⁠“As you explore, figure out your gifts, figure out your talents, this is the right time for you to do that. And it’s easy to do that—ask yourself what is it that you love to do,” she advised.
She also encouraged participating companies to treat the programme as a meaningful opportunity to mentor future leaders. ⁠“Don’t just see them as interns who require instructions, see them as someone who can, in the next five years, be entrusted with the task of negotiating on behalf of your company,” she said. “They are coming to you with the perspective that you are an expert in what you do, show them that you are genuine in what you are teaching them,” Smith added.
Addressing the interns at the launch, Chairperson of the GCCI’s Entrepreneurship and Small Business Committee, Orson Ferguson, described the programme as an immersive experience designed to help shape the next generation of business leaders.
“The ‘Teenternship’ Programme is not just any internship, it is a chance for you, our bright young minds, to step into the world of business, to learn, to contribute, and to be inspired,” he told the students.
GCCI Secretary, Kristia Ramlagan-Prescott, also urged the students to take full advantage of the experience. ⁠“I am happy that this is coming to fruition this year. I charge you to make memories and build relationships. Soak in everything that you learn, we are eager to hear your testimonials and success stories in the next two weeks,” she said.
The ‘Teenternship’ marks the first of several events under National Small Business Week 2025, which will also feature seminars, workshops, and an exposition. The annual initiative is geared towards building the capacity of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), improving operations, and helping businesses adapt to Guyana’s evolving market needs.
This year’s NSBW is sponsored by Brava Business Solutions, Century Tamara Logistics Services Incorporated, Assuria Incorporated, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination, KOJAC, Dynotech Construction Chemicals Incorporated, ACE Consulting Group, Vista Services Incorporated, Green State Oil and Gas Services Incorporated, Lodestar Incorporated, and Fine Arts GY.