Above: Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath. Photo courtesy TSTT.

Over 600 young people across Trinidad and Tobago will soon gain hands-on work experience through TSTT’s newly launched Future Leaders Internship Programme, announced on July 31 at the Queen’s Park Oval. Under the tagline, “Powering the Next Generation: Future Ready, Tech Driven, TSTT Inspired,” the national initiative targets citizens aged 17 to 21 who are currently not employed or enrolled in full-time tertiary education.

The three-week internship, which runs from August 11 to 30, is designed to build a digitally fluent, work-ready talent pipeline through structured training focused on digital literacy, professional development, and career exposure. Participants will benefit from a blended format that combines virtual sessions with in-person learning across key areas of TSTT’s operations.

TSTT Acting CEO Keino Cox emphasized the programme’s role in supporting national development and expanding access to opportunities.

“As Trinidad and Tobago’s only indigenous full-service telecommunications provider, TSTT has always seen its role as more than building infrastructure. Our mandate is broader, it’s about building a stronger society, one defined by access, inclusion, and opportunity,” said Cox.

He added that while the launch marks a significant milestone, it is part of a larger and sustained effort led by the company.

“This $2 million investment builds on our track record of giving back and being a responsible and active corporate citizen. Whether it is a partnership with CARIRI, YBTT, or the entrepreneurship series we recently held at TIC, our focus remains the same: empowering people who will empower our economy. These are not short-term interventions. This is part of a longer arc of investment, one that strengthens our national talent pipeline, supports digital diversification, and enhances the long-term competitiveness of our country.”

Participants will be assigned to one of five training streams aligned with TSTT’s operational priorities and the future of work. Technical Interns will work in IT and network operations; Sales Interns will explore digital marketing and commercial strategy; Customer Service Interns will gain experience in contact centres and customer experience; Support Services Interns will assist in logistics and administration; and Quality Assurance Interns will focus on data, analytics, and reporting.

Debra Thomas, Acting Vice President of Operations and Administration, reinforced the programme’s long-term purpose.

“I have spent much of my career focused on how companies attract, grow, and retain talent, and I can say with confidence that programmes like these play a critical role in shaping the future workforce — not just for TSTT, but for Trinidad and Tobago,” said Thomas. “At TSTT, we are not just building networks; we are building futures. The Future Leaders Internship Programme is one more way we’re doing that. It reflects our belief that national transformation begins with personal opportunity and our responsibility to ensure that opportunity reaches those who need it most.”

Each intern will receive a financial stipend for the duration of the programme. This support reflects TSTT’s commitment to equity and inclusion, and its belief that removing financial barriers is key to meaningful youth participation.

Delivering the feature address, Minister of Public Utilities and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Honourable Barry Padarath, MP, praised the initiative:

“Today, TSTT has started something that will revolutionize youth development and bring a sense of renaissance, a rebirth, in Trinidad and Tobago. As your tagline says, ‘Life is On,’ and life is indeed on in a more purposeful way for over 600 young people through this programme. I want to commend the Management and Board of Directors of TSTT for realigning the company’s purpose in a way that genuinely gives back.”

:This initiative creates a pathway for young people—from Matelot to Point Fortin—who may not have ordinarily had access to opportunities like this, to now benefit from training, education, and careers in areas such as artificial intelligence and technology. This Government is about creating sustainable opportunities. Today marks the start of a great venture that I hope other state enterprises, especially those in a similar position as TSTT, will be inspired to follow.”

The Minister urged both the private and public sectors to remember that corporate social responsibility must be aligned in a way that redounds to the benefit of Trinbagonians, creating opportunities that have a long-lasting and positive impact.

Also in attendance were Minister of Education, Dr. the Honourable Michael Dowlat; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Utilities, Neela Ram-Atwaroo; TSTT Chairman, Mr. Kern Dass, along with Board Directors, Cassilina Kelshall and Randy Ramtahal. The event was hosted by Gabrielle Walcott and included interns from TSTT’s existing Vacation Internship Programme.

Applications open Monday, August 4, 2025. Interested candidates can apply online at www.tsttinternship.com. The site will go live on August 4, 2025.