Cayman Finance is launching the 2025 LEAD (Learn, Educate, Apply, Develop) Programme, marking a decade of providing Caymanian students with knowledge, mentorship, and hands-on experience in the financial services industry.
As applications open, Cayman Finance is inviting high-performing Caymanian high school students to apply for this unique opportunity to kickstart their careers in the industry.
Since its inception, the LEAD Programme has provided students with the tools, guidance and practical exposure needed to succeed in Cayman’s financial services sector.
Ten years after its start, the programme continues to evolve, offering a structured pathway for 50 students to engage with industry professionals, build key skills and gain valuable real-world experience.
“The LEAD Programme has transformed the career trajectories of many young Caymanians over the past ten years, and we continue to provide high-quality educational and internship opportunities,” said Cayman Finance CEO Steve McIntosh. “This programme is a first step towards success for students who aspire to build careers in financial services.”
Programme combines workshops, mentorship and work experience
The LEAD Programme consists of three key components:
- Workshops (May – June 2025): Eight interactive sessions led by industry professionals, covering career paths in financial services, workplace skills, CV writing, and interview techniques.
- Mentorship (May – June 2025): Each student is paired with an experienced financial services professional from a Cayman Finance member firm for one-on-one guidance and career insights.
- Paid internship (July – August 2025): A four-week paid placement at a financial services firm, providing students with hands-on experience and a real-world understanding of the industry.
Danielle Hennings, Associate Director for Community Engagement at Cayman Finance, said: “Through workshops, mentorship, and internships, students not only gain industry insights but also build professional networks that will support them throughout their careers. We encourage eligible students to take advantage of this opportunity and apply to be part of our tenth-anniversary cohort.”
Who can apply?
The programme is open to Caymanian students in the following categories:
- Cayman Islands Government dual-enrolment students finishing their first year of A-Levels or first year at UCCI (Year 12).
- Private school (British system) students completing their first year of A-Levels (Year 12).
- Private school (American system) students finishing Grade 11.
Application process
Students interested in applying can do so online at https://form.typeform.com/to/qQV1uCyV. Applicants must provide proof of Caymanian status and health insurance coverage. The deadline for submissions is 28 March 2025.
For more information about the LEAD Programme and how to apply, visit https://caymanfinance.ky/lead-programme/ or follow Cayman Finance on Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Cayman Finance
Cayman Finance promotes the Cayman Islands as a leading financial services centre and ensures that Caymanian students have access to opportunities that will enable them to thrive in the industry. Through initiatives like the LEAD Programme, Cayman Finance continues to invest in the next generation of Caymanian financial professionals.
