As the global job market shifts under the weight of artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and evolving workplace demands, bmobile’s Future Leaders Internship Programme (FLIP) is preparing young people in Trinidad and Tobago not just to keep pace, but to lead.

One of the highlights of week two of the three-week programme was an AI Foundations workshop led by Caribbean digital transformation expert Leslie Lee Fook of Incus Services. With over 20 years of expertise and government-level experience, Lee Fook encouraged participants to approach AI with curiosity and discipline.

Lee Fook urged interns to shed the “I know” mindset, ask questions, and commit to continuous learning. “That’s why bmobile created this programme,” he explained. “Because the way people are going to work in the future is changing, and you always need to reskill and retool. You are here to add to the things you learned in school and build skills that will serve you for life.”

In a world of constant digital disruption, he said that clarity and prioritisation are critical: “Not every new idea or innovation is worth pursuing. The future belongs to those who identify and deliver high-impact, high-return initiatives — those that offer the greatest benefits with the clearest outcomes.”

He also challenged the Future Leaders to recognise that AI is not just altering workplaces — it is reshaping job security. Many employees today fear being replaced by machines, but according to Lee Fook, the greater risk is being left behind by those who learn how to use AI to their advantage. He emphasised that those who fail to adapt will struggle to compete in tomorrow’s job market, where AI will be deeply embedded in every organisation. “If AI is not making you better, faster, smarter, and it’s not making you money, then you are probably not living it. Sometimes it is just small changes in the way we work that lead to massive outcomes,” he added.

Interns also participated in a Coding 101 session led by TSTT Applications Developer Emmanuel Clarke, who broke down programming concepts such as variables, data types, and problem-solving techniques. To illustrate coding’s demands for precision, Clarke used a blindfolded icebreaker where interns had to give exact instructions, an effective analogy for how computers process commands. The session culminated in interns writing their first “Hello World” programme and embracing trial-and-error as an essential part of learning.

Clarke also shared how AI tools have enhanced his own workflow, allowing him to complete tasks in a fraction of the time and highlighting how digital tools augment rather than replace human capability. His message was clear: AI is no longer niche; it is now mainstream, and adaptability and continuous learning are non-negotiable. “Those who aren’t adopting AI in their professions — even outside of tech — are already falling behind,” Clarke said.

For many interns, bmobile’s Future Leaders Internship Programme is opening doors to learning that goes beyond the classroom. Taariq Hosein, who recently completed CAPE-level Information Technology at Holy Name Convent, described the experience as “refreshing and eye-opening.” She praised FLIP’s blend of technical and personal development, from AI and telecommunications to résumé writing and customer service. “It’s all-encompassing. It’s not just technology or communications; there are also life skills they are teaching us,” she said.

From AI frameworks to first lines of code, FLIP’s second week highlighted a consistent theme: technology is changing fast, and those who can learn, adapt, and apply new skills will shape the workforce of tomorrow.