Connect and Ascentium Partner to Create Career Pathways for Caymanian Talent

Connect is proud to celebrate the success of three Caymanian candidates who recently gained valuable work experience opportunities through our partnership with global corporate service provider Ascentium, formerly  Harneys Fiduciary.

At Connect, our mission is to bridge the gap between Caymanians seeking experience and organizations looking to invest in local talent. Through the support of our sponsors and employer partners, we continue to create meaningful opportunities that help individuals build confidence, develop professional skills, and advance their careers.

From Work Experience to Full-Time Employment

One of the standout success stories is Jahnelle Wood, who approached Connect after completing her Business Administration degree at the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) and was seeking her very first professional work experience opportunity.

Through Connect’s partnership with Ascentium, Jahnelle was placed within the company’s Corporate Administration team, where she quickly demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and a strong work ethic. Her performance impressed the team so much that Ascentium offered her a full-time position within their Corporate Administration department.

Jahnelle’s journey is a powerful example of how access to practical experience can open doors to long-term employment.

Supporting Future Legal Professionals

Connect also worked with Jennikeila Benito, who came to us seeking her first administrative work experience opportunity.

Jennikeila earned an Associate Degree in Social Sciences from UCCI before continuing her education at the Truman Bodden Law School, where she is currently pursuing her legal studies. Given her interest in Corporate Administration as a potential area of legal practice after graduation, Connect was able to match her with a work experience opportunity at Ascentium.

The placement provided Jennikeila with valuable exposure to the corporate environment and allowed her to gain firsthand experience in a field closely aligned with her future career aspirations.

Creating Opportunities for Students

Another success story is Darren Cranston, a student at St. Ignatius Catholic School.

Darren first learned about Connect through career presentations delivered at St. Ignatius by the Connect team. These sessions were made possible through the generous support of Wheaton Precious Metals, whose sponsorship allows Connect to engage directly with students and introduce them to career development opportunities.

Following one of these presentations, Darren contacted Connect to express his interest in gaining summer work experience. Through our partnership with Ascentium, we were able to connect him with a placement that provided valuable workplace exposure and professional development opportunities.

The Power of Partnership

These success stories demonstrate what can be achieved when educational institutions, employers, sponsors, and community organizations work together to invest in the future of Caymanian talent.

Beyond connecting candidates with opportunities, Connect works closely with each individual to understand their career goals, identify suitable placements, and prepare them for success in the workplace. Development Manager Giannie McLaughlin worked one-on-one with Jahnelle, Jennikeila, and Darren throughout the process, providing guidance, career support, and ongoing encouragement to help them make the most of their opportunities. This personalized approach is a key part of Connect’s mission to ensure Caymanians are not only connected with employers but are also equipped to thrive in professional environments.

We extend our sincere thanks to Ascentium for partnering with Connect and providing meaningful work experience opportunities for these candidates. We would also like to recognize Rotary Sunset for supporting these placements through its Earn and Learn programme. By providing participating students and young professionals with a stipend during their work experience, Rotary Sunset helped alleviate the financial burden on employers, making it easier for organizations like Ascentium to invest in developing local talent.

Finally, we thank all of our sponsors and supporters whose contributions allow Connect to work one-on-one with candidates and facilitate these opportunities at no cost to the candidates or connecting organisations. Their investment helps create pathways to employment, supports career exploration, and strengthens the future workforce of the Cayman Islands.

Building Cayman’s Future Workforce

The success of Jahnelle, Jennikeila, and Darren demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when employers, sponsors, and community organizations come together with a shared goal of developing Caymanian talent.

By creating access to work experience opportunities, these partnerships are helping young Caymanians gain practical skills, build confidence, grow professional networks, and take important steps toward achieving their career aspirations.

Be Part of the Solution

Connect remains committed to connecting Caymanians with opportunities that help them succeed. If you would like to support this mission through sponsorship or donations, we invite you to get involved.

To learn more about how you can help create opportunities for Caymanians, visit www.connectbynova.org  or contact the Connect team at info@connectbynova.org

Together, we can create more opportunities, build stronger career pathways, and invest in the future of Caymanian talent.