Car dealer selects 14 from over 400 applicants for region-wide internship

Fourteen young people have secured places in the first official cohort of Inchcape’s internship programme, beating out more than 400 applicants for the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across the automotive dealer’s Barbados operations.

The initiative, being rolled out across Inchcape Barbados and the Caribbean, aims to bridge the gap between education and employment by providing university and vocational students with practical workplace experience.

Tanisha Callender, talent acquisition senior analyst at Inchcape Caribbean, said the 12-week programme officially launched this month, marking a significant milestone for the company.

While Inchcape has hosted interns in the past, she explained that this is the first time the regional company has introduced a structured programme bringing a cohort of students together.

“We wanted to give back to students, not only at the university level, pursuing a bachelor’s degree, but also to students who are learning skills in the automotive industry to allow them to gain working experience, because in Barbados, it can be hard for students to gain experience.”

The group comprises students from the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, the Barbados Vocational Training Board and Barbadian students pursuing studies overseas.

Interns have been placed throughout the organisation, including in customer experience, distribution excellence, sales and distribution, aftersales, information technology, people, finance, automotive workshop, commercial workshop, warranty and service.

According to Callender, the response to the programme exceeded expectations.

“Inchcape participated in the UWI Career Fair, where we hosted a booth to provide students with information about Inchcape and our internship programme. Interested students were invited to apply, after which we conducted a comprehensive interview process involving hundreds of candidates. Upon completion of the selection process, the successful applicants were welcomed into the internship programme.”

Of the more than 400 applications received, just over 100 candidates advanced to the interview stage.

Callender said selecting the final 14 was no easy task.

“Students who demonstrated a positive attitude, a strong willingness to learn, and a genuine interest in being part of our organisation and contributing to its success.”

Beyond work experience, the programme is intended to support the interns’ personal and professional development:

“We also have a programme called Pit Stop Talks, designed specifically for our interns. Through these sessions, interns have the opportunity to learn about a variety of topics and gain valuable insights into the business. The sessions are facilitated by leaders from across the organisation, providing participants with exposure to different areas of the company and opportunities for professional development.”

Callender said the internship is designed to be more immersive than traditional work placements.

“We want the students to be actively involved in meaningful tasks and gain exposure to the day-to-day responsibilities of their assigned departments. For example, interns from the vocational training programme are assigned to our commercial and automotive workshops, where they work directly with vehicles from our brands and develop technical skills under the guidance of our certified technicians.”

She added that the programme could also help students determine whether they have chosen the right career path.

“I believe an internship is the perfect opportunity for them to explore their interests and determine if this is the career path they want to pursue.”

Customer experience intern Abigail Roach, an international business student, said Inchcape’s regional reach made it a natural choice.

“Inchcape Barbados also has a great reputation, being the oldest independent automotive distributor in Barbados…which is important to me as an individual who favours efficacious customer service and who has worked directly with customers previously.”

Roach believes programmes such as this are critical for young people seeking to establish themselves professionally:

“Networking as well as for experience after/during the completion of their studies. I also find it remarkable, or rather inclusive, that Inchcape has also created opportunities for students more interested in the practical/mechanical work instead of just the theoretical aspect,” she said.

“It shows consideration for students who prefer that area of work over the theories taught in the average classroom, which are also important.”

Still exploring her career direction, Roach said she hopes the internship will provide clarity and practical knowledge.

“My expectations are to learn a plethora of information which will not only benefit my studies experience-wise but also allow me to see business from both sides; consumer vs distributor and the logistics behind all of the services provided…I also expect to come out of this with a clearer vision and strategy for my future in international business as I gain knowledge and experience, as well as receive feedback on the work I will do, all while still having an enjoyable time in their positive environment.”

Sales support intern Kevvon Boyce is equally optimistic about the experience.

“I believe that interning at the leading car company in the country would give me valuable insight into the operations and decision-making processes that take place behind the scenes.”

The management student, who is concentrating in finance, said the internship aligns closely with his long-term goals.

“It provides me with the opportunity to deepen my understanding of how a business generates and manages revenue in a real-world corporate environment.”

Callender said she hoped participants leave with more than just technical knowledge.

“Beyond professional experience, I hope our interns gain a strong understanding of how to function effectively in a corporate environment. An important part of the programme is supporting their personal development, helping them understand the value of attendance, punctuality, professionalism, and workplace etiquette. I want them to build the confidence and skills needed to navigate a corporate setting successfully, while also gaining meaningful, lifelong experiences that contribute to their overall growth.

She also hoped the interns develop lasting professional relationships and friendships through the programme.

As part of the company’s commitment to youth development, Callender said Inchcape wants young people to bring fresh thinking to the organisation.

“We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and creating opportunities for the next generation of talent. We believe it is important to give the next generation the opportunity to gain meaningful work experience, grow professionally, and develop their skills. Recognising that employment opportunities in Barbados can be limited in some areas, we want to play our part in building a foundation for their future careers.”

Roach agreed that younger Barbadians have an important role to play in shaping the country’s future.

“I think we are too dependent on tourism for revenue and imported goods, without having much to export for an economic and sustainable balance. This needs to be established through innovation and new ideas.”

She encouraged students considering internships to approach the opportunity with confidence.

“It’s understandable to be nervous…but it’s always important to put the best version of you out there from the interview process…it is crucial even on your bad days to show earnestness and adaptability.”

Boyce offered similar advice:

“It provides valuable real-world experience that cannot be replicated in the classroom. It also helps them develop practical skills, build confidence in a professional environment and gain a better understanding of their chosen career path.”

Looking ahead, Callender said the company intends to expand the initiative and create additional opportunities for youth.

 

(LG)