In the competitive Barbadian job market where young talent often struggles to secure practical experience, global automotive distributor Inchcape has launched its first formal structured internship programme across its Barbados and Caribbean operations, with 14 young people selected to join the inaugural cohort from a pool of more than 400 applicants.
The core mission of this 12-week programme, which officially kicked off this month, is to bridge the long-standing gap between academic learning and full-time employment. Unlike informal, ad-hoc intern placements the company has hosted in previous years, this new initiative is designed to offer structured, immersive experience that caters to both university students pursuing bachelor’s degrees and vocational students training for automotive technical careers — a level of inclusivity rarely seen in local youth employment programmes.
Tanisha Callender, Senior Talent Acquisition Analyst at Inchcape Caribbean, emphasized that the launch marks a major milestone for the company’s regional commitment to youth development. “In Barbados, it is notoriously difficult for students to access the hands-on experience that employers demand before hiring,” Callender explained. “We created this programme to give back to the next generation, opening doors that have often been closed to young people early in their career journeys.”
The successful 14 candidates come from a diverse range of educational backgrounds: three local institutions are represented, including the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill and the Barbados Vocational Training Board, alongside Barbadian students completing degrees at overseas universities. Interns have been placed across nearly every department of Inchcape’s operations, spanning customer experience, sales and distribution, aftersales service, information technology, human resources, finance, automotive and commercial workshops, and warranty management.
The programme’s outreach began at the UWI Career Fair, where Inchcape set up an information booth to attract interested candidates. After a multi-stage selection process, more than 100 applicants advanced to formal interviews, from which the final 14 were chosen. Callender noted that narrowing down the pool was far from simple: selection committees prioritized candidates who showed a genuine positive attitude, a proactive drive to learn, and a clear interest in contributing to Inchcape’s long-term success.
What sets this internship apart from traditional temporary work placements is its focus on immersive, meaningful work rather than menial tasks. Vocational trainees, for example, work directly on vehicles from Inchcape’s brand portfolio under the supervision of certified factory technicians, building hands-on technical skills that cannot be taught in a classroom. To further support personal and professional growth, the company has introduced a specialized speaker series called Pit Stop Talks, where senior leaders from across the organization host sessions on a wide range of industry and professional development topics, giving interns direct access to insider insights and networking opportunities.
Beyond building technical skills, the programme is designed to help young people test their career fit. Callender explained that internships give students a first-hand look at day-to-day work in their field of interest, helping them confirm whether they have chosen a career path that aligns with their strengths and goals.
For Abigail Roach, an international business student selected as a customer experience intern, Inchcape’s strong regional reputation and long history as Barbados’ oldest independent automotive distributor made it a top choice. Roach highlighted the programme’s inclusivity as a standout feature, noting that it creates opportunities for both business-focused and technically inclined students. “I find it remarkable that Inchcape hasn’t just created spots for university students studying theory — they’ve opened doors for students who prefer practical, mechanical work too,” she said. “That kind of consideration for all types of learners is really rare.”
Roach, who is still exploring potential career directions within international business, said she hopes the internship will give her a holistic understanding of automotive distribution, from consumer needs to back-end logistics, and help her develop a clear long-term strategy. “I’m looking forward to not just gaining experience that supports my studies, but seeing how business works from both the consumer and distributor side,” she explained. “I also hope to get valuable feedback on my work in a positive, supportive environment.”
Kevvon Boyce, a management student focusing on finance who is serving as a sales support intern, shares Roach’s optimism. Interning at one of the country’s leading automotive companies aligns perfectly with his long-term professional goals. “This opportunity lets me see first-hand how revenue is generated and managed in a real corporate environment, which is something you can’t learn from a textbook,” he said.
Callender added that the programme’s goals extend far beyond building technical job skills. Organizers hope interns leave with a strong foundational understanding of professional workplace norms, from punctuality and attendance to professional etiquette, building the confidence they need to navigate corporate settings successfully. The company also hopes participants will build lasting professional connections and friendships that support their careers for years to come.
As a company committed to youth development in the region, Inchcape also welcomes the fresh perspective that young talent brings to its operations. “Recognizing that employment opportunities can be limited for young people in parts of Barbados, we want to do our part to build a strong foundation for the future workforce,” Callender said. “We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that nurtures the next generation of regional talent.”
Roach echoed this sentiment, noting that young Barbadians have a critical role to play in driving the country’s long-term economic sustainability. “Right now, we are too dependent on tourism for revenue and rely heavily on imported goods, without enough domestic production for export to create a balanced, sustainable economy,” she said. “That change has to come from innovation and new ideas from the younger generation.”
Both Roach and Boyce encouraged other young students to pursue internship opportunities, advising candidates to bring authenticity and adaptability throughout the application and placement process. Boyce emphasized that no classroom experience can replicate the value of real-world work experience: “Internships help you build practical skills, grow confident in professional settings, and really understand what your chosen career is actually like day to day.”
Looking forward, Inchcape plans to expand the internship initiative in coming years, creating even more opportunities for young regional talent to gain meaningful professional experience.