FAQs – TEF Summer Internship Programme

Frequently asked questions by Interns

How old do I have to be to apply for the TEF Summer Internship Programme ?

Answer: Candidates must be between the ages of 17 to 25 in order to participate in the programme.

I have only acquired a high school level education. May I still apply for the programme ?

Answer: Yes. There are no specific educational requirements.

How long is the Summer Internship Programme ?

Answer: The internship programme will lasts for 4 Weeks. Candidates will be contracted to work for 4 weeks.

How much would I be paid ?

Answer: Candidates will be given a stipend bi-weekly, based on their level of education (5^th form , 6^th form, 1^st and 2^nd year tertiary, Masters & 3^rd year tertiary). This includes technical and vocational education and training (TVET). This stipend is in accordance with the Ministry of Finance’s Stipend Rates for Holiday Work Programmes. You may check their website at www.mof.gov.jm .

I do not live in Kingston. Can I still apply for the internship Programme ?

Answer: The Summer Internship Programme caters to candidates located island wide.

Are there any other additional benefits that come with the TEF Summer Internship Programme ?

Answer: Yes. Once shortlisted, each intern will be offered the opportunity to be trained as a Certified Guest Service Professional. If successful, the intern will receive a certificate from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI); an international institution whose main aim is to provide hospitality organizations and schools with quality resources to train, educate, and certify hospitality professionals.

Frequently asked questions by Organizations

What is the maximum number of interns my company may request, per batch ?

Answer: Companies are able to request any number of interns based on the needs of their company.

Will my company be responsible for paying interns ?

Answer: No. Interns are paid through the Tourism Enhancement Fund.

Am I able to extend an intern’s contract beyond the stipulated four (4) weeks or hire an intern after their contract has ended ?

Answer: Yes. However, it is the company’s responsibility to pay the intern(s) after their 4-week contract with the Tourism Enhancement Fund has ended.

Does the Tourism Enhancement Fund pay interns who work on weekends or for hours over the regular work day ?

Answer: No. The TEF pays interns based on the time frame stipulated in their contracts, which is usually, the assigned company’s regular work hours from Mondays to Fridays. However, if the intern agrees to work outside of regular work hours, it is the company’s responsibility to compensate them.

How do I express interest in becoming a partner of the TEF Summer Internship Programme ?

Answer: Companies who are interested in partnering with the Tourism Enhancement Fund for the Summer Internship Programme may call our offices at (876) 926-8684 and ask to speak with the Director of the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation for details.

What is the educational background of the interns ?

Answer: Interns are high school and tertiary level students. Partner organizations are given the opportunity to specify the level(s) of interns that are required for the positions they seek to fill.