A new business program that merges classroom learning with on-the-job training has accepted its first two students.
The Business-in-Action students have taken to the books and to the office as part of the University College of the Cayman Islands/Progressive Distributors Ltd. initiative, which aims to give students an opportunity for hands-on training in business while completing their studies.
Estefhany Mencia and Jesel Turner have started the 13-week course under the guidance of a faculty member and company managers. The program is designed to allow students to apply their academic knowledge in a work environment.
Ms. Turner said she hopes to become an accountant after completing her studies.
“I want to become a professional accountant and go deeper into the field. I want to go all the way to partner,” she said.
Ms. Mencia said she believes the course will provide her with the experience and knowledge she needs to kick-start her career.
“I wanted to go into business studies because I want to own my own business, maybe a restaurant or even a hotel,” she said.
Progressive Distributors managing director Shane Foster said when the company approached UCCI, it was encouraged to donate time and expertise rather than money. As a result, the company created a team to design course material that will be used as a model for other companies.
“We decided to come up with a shared vision with someone who could help in the community,” Mr. Foster said. “It has been an amazing amount of work to get the curriculum.
“We were so blown away that we now have an accredited program. I believe very strongly they will come out with a holistic view.”
UCCI president Roy Bodden congratulated Progressive Distributors for their achievement.
“You have created history, you have set the template for others to follow,” Mr. Bodden said.
“UCCI must be more than a degree granting institution. It must be an institution that creates change in our young ladies and change in our young men. If you don’t have character, your degree will not count for anything,” he said.
Tasha Ebanks-Garcia, deputy chief officer for the Ministry of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs, said the curriculum would provide a platform for collaboration.
“I believe that this can be used as a model for other teams for similar programs,” Ms. Ebanks-Garcia said. “Instead of reinventing the wheel, we can reuse it.”
“Small businesses do not have the infrastructure to set up this kind of program that has been developed. We are able to support in that endeavor.”
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