Belco has concluded its summer internship programme which gave 17 students real-world experience across a wide range of departments.

These ranged from engineering, information technology, human resources, occupational health, safety and environment, transmission and distribution, operations, and business administration.

Returning summer student Davis Barnes worked in the finance department this year, having previously worked in procurement. “I wanted to experience the feeling of working in an office setting as well as experience work in the field I am currently pursuing in school,” he said. “I aspire to be a prominent figure in the local finance sector, and I think this internship will push me in the right direction.”

Mechanical Engineering undergraduate Gareth Cooper worked in transmission and distribution, where he says he was able to explore new solutions to existing problems rather than maintain the status quo.

“I speak at length with the technicians and engineers in the office to understand more about the power grid,” he said. “My goal is to be a mechanical engineer working in emerging technologies, and an internship working with electrical systems is vital to learn things my degree leaves out.”

Isaac Payne chose bulk generation for the chance to work alongside some of the best engineers in Bermuda. “This has allowed me to learn the different engineering systems in place at Belco, from the engines themselves to the sub systems that keep them going,” he said. “This internship will help me grow as an engineer and aid me in applying my studies to an engineering role in Bermuda after graduation.”

Bermuda College student Tayla Bean spent the summer in human resources. “I’m still exploring my career interests, and this internship was a great opportunity to gain knowledge and experience,” she said, adding that she valued the strong sense of community within the team.

The programme attracts both new and returning students, including recipients of Belco scholarships, from universities across North America and the UK. Belco said it reflected its ongoing commitment to community investment and workforce development, and to building the foundation for Bermuda’s energy future.

LaKeitha Cunningham, Belco’s director of HR and culture, said: “Congratulations to another excellent group of summer students this year. It is always gratifying to hear the students speak about how much they enjoy working at Belco. I look forward to some of these students returning to Bermuda and helping us build a sustainable energy future.”