Learn about CML’s Apprenticeship Programmes from their latest graduate, Jada Connor.

About the Apprenticeship Programme

CML is proud to offer a 24-month comprehensive apprenticeship programme for aspiring HR talent in Cayman. On this apprenticeship, individuals work towards a professional HR designation whilst gaining on-the-job exposure and experience within immigration, recruitment and HR consulting. Each day, apprentices learn and build on their passion for HR to progress and become knowledgeable HR professionals.

Our apprenticeship programme comprises three main learning areas: Recruitment Process, Immigration and Labour Law, and HR Practices and Principles. The programme is structured in a way that one of these areas will be the main focus of your learning, allowing you to become an expert in that particular field.

Meet Jada Connor, FS Recruitment Apprentice

Don’t take it from us; we asked our recent Financial Services Recruitment Apprentice,  Jada Connor, to spill the beans on her two-year apprenticeship programme with CML.

Jada applied for our  first-ever financial services recruitment apprenticeship  in the summer of 2021, and now, two years later, we are proud to report that she has completed the programme. The programme is designed to prepare aspiring HR professionals for strong careers in the industry. We are ecstatic that Jada has decided to stay with CML after completing her apprenticeship and is already settling into her new, permanent role as a Recruitment Administrator within the FS recruitment team.

What was your educational background before you applied to the CML apprenticeship?

Jada: Before I applied to the CML apprenticeship, I had recently completed my associate degree in social sciences from the University College of the Cayman Islands. I had no qualifications outside of my degree and needed guidance on what I wanted to pursue as a career.

Did you require any previous experience when applying for the CML apprenticeship?

Jada: No, it was explained to me very early on in the process that CML was looking for a driven individual, passionate about a future in the financial services recruitment industry. And of course, with all apprenticeships, the willingness to learn.

Was working at CML your first experience in an office environment? If not, how does CML compare to your past work experience?

Jada: While CML was not my first experience working in an office environment, it was my first long-term and flexible working experience. Before CML, I had experience working in a retail store setting as well as an office administrative setting during school holidays or as work experience. I was also part of the Cayman Mentoring program, which introduced me to an office setting at a young age.

Once I entered University, I worked part-time in the Student Life Department between classes. I helped students apply for jobs and gain experience in their field of study by contacting businesses in their industry and forming a connection. In essence, I was acting like a recruiter for students in the school. Helping companies and students piqued my interest in HR, and I decided to shift my career focus from Psychology to HR with a Psychology background.

One thing that sets CML apart from my past experiences is CML’s office environment. Predominately, you are expected to work from the office to allow for better cross-collaboration between different departments of the business, but we have flexibility to work from home as well. Our office culture allows for different working environments, so you are not stuck at your desk all day. Several rooms to work from include couches, side tables and even standing desks. The open floor plan and team pods provide a calm, inclusive atmosphere where you can collaborate. Of course, you can use one of the smaller rooms if you need privacy or focus time. We also have many plants and art around the office by local Caymanian talent that make the space, like all my colleagues, very welcoming!

Can you describe a typical day as a CML apprentice?

Jada: My typical day as an apprentice at the end of my programme looks quite different from what it did initially. At the start, I was new to the financial services industry and professional recruitment, so a typical day included training sessions and beginner tasks/projects to familiarise myself with the industry. Throughout the apprenticeship, my team were approachable, and I could ask questions and gain insight into what I was learning, which really built the foundation for my success with CML.

As I became more familiar with the industry and recruitment, I was assigned projects and tasks without supervision and offered the flexibility of working from home. I was always in constant communication, as when I needed assistance, I could reach out to my mentor to discuss my projects and daily tasks.

Now that I am more familiar with Recruitment, HR Consulting and Immigration Services, my typical day has evolved immensely! My day can range from working on a client’s immigration needs to speaking with a candidate about their dream role. I could be sitting in on an interview and then sourcing for candidates to fill positions an hour later. Every day is different, and that is one of the best parts of the experience, in my opinion.

How does CML support their apprentices in their professional development?

Jada: CML supports their apprentices (and all their staff) by offering funds and study leave for training that builds on skills and competencies that will support their position. During my two-year apprenticeship, I studied for two HR certifications (a local and international one), which were fully funded, and I was also given time off with study leave to appropriately prepare.

As an apprentice, you can discuss and choose an international certification that best fits your goals. CML provides several training days per year to help you succeed. You are also extended the time to speak with a career consultant from the NPO, Connect by Nova, every two weeks (or when necessary). My consultant was Hannah Jackson, the Career Services Manager and a prior Recruitment Apprentice with CML’s sister agency, Nova Recruitment. She guided me on tips and tricks she learned from her apprenticeship and pointed me in the right direction on how to make the most out of my apprenticeship and achieve my career goals for the future.

What sets the CML apprenticeship program apart from other similar programs?

Jada: That’s a great question! What sets the CML apprenticeship program is that it offers immersive and intensive on-the-job learning. In Cayman (at least at the time of writing) there are not many entry-level development programmes available, most are internships that give you a glimpse into the work, but never go beyond surface level learning. With CML’s apprenticeship programmes, you are a fully immersed employee in a dedicated team that is trained daily through on-the-job learning, giving you a holistic experience to really grasp how things operate, and why.

You aren’t just brought into the program, given a mentor, and expected to follow directions and do the same thing every day. Every day, you have a team of professionals to learn from and ask questions. This practical training, paired with the theoretical learning from the certification programmes really enables you to propel into the industry with no prior experience necessary.

Outside of this, CML motivates you to explore other company opportunities and provide you with 1-on-1 discussions with a career consultant to ensure you are doing what’s best for your career path and future. For example, as a part of my apprenticeship in recruitment, I also worked with the Immigration Services and the HR Consulting teams. In the future, I would be keen to become an HR Generalist, and with the opportunities and support at CML, this dream is becoming a reality.

Your Chance is Here

If you were inspired by Jada’s story then your chance is here. If you're thinking about a career in HR, CML's apprenticeship programme is worth exploring.

Check out our current openings on our careers page or follow us on social media to stay in the know of when we are next looking for an apprentice to join one of our varied teams. Don't miss out on this opportunity to kickstart your HR career with CML!