Three construction students from the Anguilla Community College (ACC) are currently gaining on-site work experience at the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport as part of a collaborative internship initiative between ACC and Aecon/Kelly Construction, partners in the Anguilla Airport Redevelopment Project, Phase 3. The students are Ojeron Mussington, Chadero Kent, and Shemar Fagon.
The internship programme, which is two-phased, began on 18th August 2025 and due to end later in October/November 2025, underscores the ACC’s importance of linking education with industry to ensure that Anguilla’s workforce is equipped to meet the growing demand for skilled tradespeople. For ACC, it is an important milestone in advancing its mandate to provide students with meaningful, applied learning experiences that complement classroom instruction and strengthen their readiness for employment.
The students, who recently completed studies in ACC’s BTEC Level Two Construction Studies programme, are working under the supervision of experienced engineers and project managers, gaining exposure to a wide range of tasks from site and safety protocols to technical project execution. This practical immersion helps them understand the scale and complexity of major construction projects, while also instilling discipline, teamwork, and industry best practices.
Project Manager, Mr. Jason Lamarche, expressed the companies’ pride in partnering with the ACC on this very important venture. He stated: “As part of our commitment to community engagement and skills development, Aecon Anguilla Construction, in partnership with Kelly Construction, is proud to provide internship opportunities for students from Anguilla Community College. This collaboration allows students to gain hands-on experience in a major infrastructure project, developing practical skills while contributing meaningfully to an initiative of national significance.
“Through this internship, students are not only exposed to industry best practices but also to the teamwork, safety standards, and innovation that underpin successful large-scale projects. Their involvement highlights the importance of education-industry partnerships in preparing the next generation of professionals who will carry forward Anguilla’s growth and development.”
Dean of Studies, Dr. Michelle Queeley, recently visited the site with a team of construction lecturers and the Coordinator of Adult and Continuing Education, Mrs. Charmaine Rey-Richardson, as part of their monitoring of students’ progress in the internship. In noting their satisfaction with the on-the-spot reports, Dr. Queeley noted: “We are extremely pleased with the progress that our students are making through this internship. From all accounts, they have transitioned very well and have been able to apply what was learnt in the classroom to their assigned tasks. The Anguilla Community College wishes to register its deep appreciation to AECON/Kelly Construction for affording our students this valuable opportunity at work experience, and to the ACC Board of Governors for its wholesome support of this venture.
“The partnership with Aecon and Kelly Construction not only advances ACC’s agenda for experiential learning but also raises the profile of the College as a key player in preparing a skilled and confident workforce for Anguilla. Opportunities like this affirm the value of connecting education with industry, ensuring that our students graduate ready to contribute meaningfully to national development. At the same time, such collaborations strengthen ACC’s future by demonstrating how vital industry partnerships are in expanding our reach, enriching our programmes, and ensuring that ACC remains at the forefront of shaping the island’s human capital. Thanks to all for making this happen. We aim to increase our efforts in providing many more opportunities like these to our students across the various disciplines of study.”
Kelly Construction specializes in large-scale civil projects, while Aecon, a Canadian company with many years of experience, has established itself as a leader in global infrastructure development. By partnering with ACC, both companies have shown their commitment not only to delivering world-class infrastructure but also to investing in Anguilla’s human capital.
