About 300 Caymanian students have gone through the Cayman Finance programme, which ran from 2015 to 2019 before it was restarted last year. Pictured are high school-UCCI dual enrolment students with Cayman Finance team members at a LEAD workshop in 2023.
Cayman Finance's student education and work programme is now open to applicants.
LEAD (Learn, Educate, Apply, Develop) is a pathway for high-performing Caymanian high-school students to learn about the Cayman Islands financial services industry and the types of careers that are available.
The programme begins on 1 May 2024 and will provide workshops, mentorship, and exposure to what it is really like to work in financial services through a four-week paid work placement.
The goal of the programme is to help Caymanian students develop practical knowledge and skills that will benefit them as they consider career options.
"They say that even a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step," said Cayman Finance CEO Steve McIntosh. "For many young Caymanians who aspire to succeed in the financial industry, applying for our LEAD programme is that first step on their path to success."
He said: "The goal for Cayman Finance and our members is for every Caymanian that wants to lead and succeed in the financial industry to have the opportunity to do so. We're committed to making it happen."
The programme is open to Caymanian students in the following categories:
- Cayman lslands Government dual-enrolment students finishing first year of A levels or first year at UCCI (University College of the Cayman Islands) (Year 12)
- Private School (British system) students finishing first year of A levels (Year 12)
- Private School (American system) students finishing Grade 11.
Associate Director Danielle Hennings, who is leading the initiative, said Cayman Finance's successful relaunch of the student programme last year was made possible thanks to the support of member firms.
"As an industry, we recognise our responsibility to ensure young Caymanians who are interested in financial services are given the tools and opportunities needed to pursue one of the many career options available to them. Throughout the programme, students learn about the various industry sectors, develop skills and an appreciation of what it takes to succeed. We encourage students to visit our website and apply by the deadline, 15 March 2024," she said.
The LEAD programme has three main components:
- Eight one-hour workshops run from 1 May – 30 June facilitated by Cayman Finance and professionals from member firms that will focus on the industry and the careers available.
- Each student will also be matched with a mentor from a Cayman Finance member organisation. These industry executives will meet with students one hour per week from 1 May – 30 June.
- And finally, participating students will have the opportunity to take part in a four week paid placement between 1 July and 31 August.
How to apply
Registration is now open, and students must apply for the programme online at https://caymanfinance.formstack.com/forms/2024_student_lead_application.
To be eligible students need to provide proof of Caymanian status and health insurance coverage. The deadline for submissions is 15 March 2024. For more information visit https://caymanfinance.ky/lead-programme/.
