First Citizens Marks 10 Years of Developing Future Talent through UWI Internship Programme
Press Release
First Citizens is marking a milestone in its commitment to youth development and education as it celebrates 10 years of its UWI Internship Programme, a longstanding initiative designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and the world of work.
Over the past decade, the programme has provided university students with workplace exposure, giving them opportunities to apply their academic knowledge in a professional environment, develop practical skills and gain greater insight into their chosen career paths.
The initiative forms part of First Citizens broader commitment to investing in young people and supporting their development beyond the classroom. Through structured work experience, mentorship and exposure to various areas of the organisation, participating students are given an opportunity to strengthen both their technical and interpersonal capabilities while contributing to real projects and business activities.
This year’s programme welcomed its 2026 cohort of eight interns, who completed placements across First Citizens over a four-week period. The students represented a range of academic disciplines, reflecting the continued evolution of the programme and First Citizens’ efforts to create relevant opportunities for students pursuing different fields of study.
The 2026 programme concluded with a Closing Ceremony on Friday August 21, bringing together interns, First Citizens representatives and other stakeholders to recognise the students’ successful completion of the programme.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs. Camille Atkinson-Francis, Senior Manager, Communications & Public Relations at First Citizens, reflected on the importance of providing young people with opportunities that extend learning beyond the university environment.
“For 10 years, this programme has been about more than providing students with an internship. It has been about creating opportunities for young people to experience the workplace, test their knowledge, build confidence and develop skills that will serve them as they transition into their careers. As we celebrate this milestone, we are proud of the students who have passed through the programme and of the role First Citizens has been able to play in their development.”
The ceremony also highlighted the programme from both past and present perspectives. Adanna Jobe, Senior Business Analyst, Group Strategic and Corporate Planning and a former First Citizens UWI intern, shared reflections on her internship experience and the value of early professional exposure. Sydelle Carvalho, a member of the 2026 cohort from the Faculty of Social Sciences, also shared her experience on behalf of the current interns.
For First Citizens, the programme represents an important investment in youth development and future talent. It reflects the Group’s belief that preparing young people for the workplace requires opportunities to learn, contribute and gain meaningful exposure to the professional environment.
