The Alumni Apprentice Programme (AAP) 

Run by the UWI Alumni Association (UWIAA) in association with the Institutional Advancement Division to promote interaction between its alumni and student populations for the latter to discover and develop their potential in order to impact more significantly and positively  on their country, the Caribbean region and the world.

The AAP experience enables UWI participants to develop themselves into globally aware leaders that have the skills, networks and perspectives necessary to drive positive change in the Caribbean region. The AAP emphasizes:

1. Professional and teamwork skills
2. Global perspectives and networking opportunities
3. Interpersonal skills
4. Cross-cultural communication and time management skills
5. Career-related experience

The major advantage is for Caribbean youth to gain and leverage international knowledge, expertise and skills not found in the Caribbean experience and/or workforce.

Objectives

1. Develop real linkages between UWI students, alumni and corporate communities
2. Provide UWI students with international and regional working experience and exposure
3. Raise the profile of UWI internationally and regionally
4. Prepare UWI students for professional and alumni life 

Student Qualifications:

• Generally students will have completed their second year of study in areas such as International Relations, Management Studies, Media and Communications, Law, Geography and Geology, Meteorology, Computer Science, History and Political Science and will be from the Mona, Cave Hill and St. Augustine campuses
• Graduate students may also be considered

Functionalities – Firms/Sponsors:

• Expose students to professional work experience, work ethos, dress code, etc.   
• Provide 4 – 6 week internship with stipend/allowance to cover local transportation and meals (and accommodation in some cases)

Functionalities – UWIAA Alumni Association:

• Accommodation to be provided by alumni,  “friends” of the UWI or local hostel
• UWI alumni volunteers take students on outings: theatre/lunch etc.  
• Provide cultural exposure – trips to famous landmarks, museums, historical and cultural sites
• UWI alumni volunteers to mentor students as necessary

Functionalities – UWI Students:

• Act as UWI Ambassadors and provide a written report about the experience and meet with the UWIAA President/Chapter and discuss the experience. They must also share their experiences with their peers and make a presentation to the student community
• Plan to work in the Caribbean region and to encourage leadership development
  

Additional Details

The programme is conceptualized to be a way that alumni can “give back in kind” to the University and the youth of the Caribbean.  

It has been recognized that some graduates wish to “give back” by hosting a student for a week or a month, or by having them for a weekend, or by paying for their accommodation at a reputable hostel/hotel or by giving funds to cover various costs.  The UWI Alumni Association (UWIAA) Chapters and their members are the ones primarily responsible for organizing this aspect of the programme. 

Alumni and the IAD seek corporate contacts/businesses whch will grant the internships (4 or 6 weeks usually, however they can be longer), ideally along with a small stipen to cover meals and transportation.     

The IAD will endeavour to obtain sponsorship for return airline tickets once a placement is confirmed and works with sponsors/offices/agencies/embassies and consulates to facilitate the programme in many ways.    

The programme concentrates mainly on the U.K. the U.S.A. and Canada at the moment, although, with the advent of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), Caribbean placements are also being sought.  

All applications are coordinated through the IAD.  

This programme is promoted to graduates through the regional and international Chapters of the UWI Alumni Associations (UWIAA) and the IAD.  

Alumni Relations, IAD is the office which developed the AAP and has overall responsibility for this programme.