Government of Jamaica

About the TEF Summer Internship Programme

TEF Summer Internship Programme (SIP)

In recognizing the importance of work experience, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) created the Summer Internship Programme (SIP) in April 2007 to provide young people with opportunities to gain experiences in a variety of sectors. The TEF partners with organizations in all fourteen parishes, ensuring that the benefits of the programme spans the entire island. This 4-week programme provides our interns with a safe environment for professional and personal development.

Starting this year, the SIP will be run under the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation (JCTI). All interns will have the opportunity to receive Certified Guest Service Professional designation from the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). 

In the 2019 programme, the TEF was proud to partner with the Child Development Agency (CDA) by placing 30 wards of the state with corporate Jamaica, giving them valuable work experience.

The SIP has expanded significantly over the years from 60 partners in 2014 to 90 partners in 2019. The number of interns participating in the SIP also increased from 439 interns in 2014 to 646 interns in 2019. 

The SIP closes with an awards ceremony where the top performers, based on evaluation and certification grade, are given prizes. The interns are invited to celebrate their achievements… and the TEF staff.

SIP Partners include:

  • Tourism Partners
  • Government Agencies
  • Financial Institutions
  • Medical Institutions
  • Schools and Churches
  • Others (Pharmacies, Hardware stores, etc.)

How to become an intern​

The application process for the TEF SIP is solely web-based. Candidates MUST meet the following criteria:

  • Candidates must be enrolled in high school or tertiary institutions.
  • Candidates must be between the ages of 17 and 25 and must have valid identification (i.e. National ID, Passport, Driver’s License or School ID).
  • Each applicant must have a Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) and those 18 years and older are required to have the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) card.
  • Applicants must provide the name and contact information for two referees. One reference should be from the institution they currently attend. The other reference may come from a Medical Doctor, Attorney-at-law, Justice of the Peace or a Minister of Religion.

How to become a SIP employer

Companies that are interested in partnering with the SIP may call our offices at (876)926-8684 for details.