The Tribune

The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) has just facilitated its first international internship after carpentry student, Odler Pierre, reached out to US-based Storm Team Construction.

Pierre became friends with Storm Team Construction’s chief executive, Chad Simkins, through his work at a local marina. He told him about his internship, and Mr Simkins offered him the opportunity to intern with his company.

“I just want to thank God for giving me this amazing opportunity to be the first student from BTVI that had a chance to intern abroad. Special thanks to chief executive of Storm Team Construction, Chad Simkins, who went out of his way, allowing me to intern with his company and making sure all my needs were taken care of,” said Pierre.

Storm Team Construction is a company that specialises in rebuilding and restoration after storms, and has several locations across the US. The company has received several awards, including the Service Excellence Award by the United Association of Storm Restoration Contractors.

Pierre spent five weeks with Storm Team Construction in Jupiter, Florida, and completed the required 160 hours for his internship. He was tasked with constructing formwork for concrete walls, constructing stud walls, installing doors, roofs and windows and other related tasks.

Pierre even completed a short online course on installing window and door systems while he was there. When he was not working, he would go fishing with friends and learned how to clean and maintain a vessel, create boat knots, fishing techniques and how to drive a boat.

BTVI’s career services officer, Michael Smith, said of Pierre: “His performance speaks volumes to the strength of the instruction he received in BTVI’s carpentry programme. He was able to teach Storm Team Construction’s employees techniques and safety practices based on his OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) training at BTVI.

“Based on what was reported by the company, his internship assessment forms show an outstanding performance.”

Pierre says internship is key to making the transition from the classroom to the work environment seamless. “Internship provides real life experience and exposure,” he added. “It teaches you how to communicate with colleagues, enhances the practical skills learned in class, leaderships skills and how to be a team player.

“It can help you acquire more education, and gives you the opportunity to learn more about yourself. To know yourself is to know your goals and do your best to achieve them. If offered a job right now I would take it! I feel the amount of education I got from BTVI was enough to prepare me for the work field. Right now, my goal is to continue focusing on my education so that I can be a project manager one day.”