Business students at the Anguilla Community College (ACC) have been gaining valuable customer service experience in the field, interning at some of Anguilla’s premiere corporate and statutory organisations and government departments including the National Commercial Bank of Anguilla (NCBA), the Pension Department, the Anguilla Social Security Board (ASSB) and the Anguilla Public Library. These internships are a college requirement for successful completion of the BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Business.
Senior Lecturer in Business, Ms Annishka White, who organised the Internship Programme indicated that it gave the BTEC students an opportunity to ‘Learn by Doing’ which is the core ethos that underscores all BTEC programming and is generally supported by the ACC. Ms White noted that “The participating organisations have witnessed first-hand what the BTEC programme has to offer and what we are teaching at the College. I am pleased with the positive feedback and grateful for their support”.
The BTEC Business students found the exercise to be enriching. For example, intern Jordan Hodge, was assigned to the Social Security Board and shared what he considered to be the central take-away of his hands on experience there reflecting, “I learnt the importance of being able to meet and satisfy the customers’ needs…by knowing your products and services and making them feel welcome.” Similarly, Perla Beriguete Meson, who interned at NCBA found her bilingualism to be an asset given the mixed demographic that accesses the bank’s services. She also said, “I learned how to approach and communicate with customers, to be confidential, to seek assistance…if…unable to handle a customer’s queries and to always ask for an ID.” Mr Diquan Reid, Bank Ambassador at NCBA also weighed in positively saying, “Perla is a very dedicated, smart, intelligent and resourceful worker. My time with her was very pleasant and her energy is very positive. I would like to hire her on the spot!” Other interns were Edgiton Edrum at the Pension Board and J’utahri Richardson at the Anguilla Public Library.
The Anguilla Community College offers BTEC business qualifications progressing from levels 2 through 5. A Level 3 cohort is slated to begin in January 2020 to meet the needs of mature and young adults seeking to advance in the workplace, start their own business or prepare for further studies. Interested persons should contact the Anguilla Community College on (264) 498-8395 / 476-8395 or info@acc.edu.ai for further information.
– Press Release
