Best Care students complete broadcasting work experience at PBCJ

Three students from Best Care Special Education School have wrapped a work experience placement at the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ), marking the broadcaster’s first structured programme for learners with special needs.

Alicia Scarlet, Jacob Newton and Abigail Brown spent time across departments, learning how a national media house operates from the studio floor to back-office support. Jacob said he gained hands-on insight into editing, the production workflow and use of the green screen. Abigail described learning to load an SD card into a camera, support talent during filming with the on-screen prompt, and draft scripts on the computer. Alicia was placed on the administrative side, following how everyday supplies are procured and issued before they reach staff desks.

PBCJ staff said the trio were eager to learn, often asking whether they could observe tasks or take on new assignments. Their readiness was tested during a recent shift when the organisation was short of a videographer, teleprompter operator and production assistant for its flagship programme. The interns stepped in without hesitation.

The pressure followed a marathon parliamentary sitting that ran until 2:00 a.m., after which some staff had worked from 10:00 a.m. through to 2:00 a.m. the next day. With two additional morning events and thin coverage, students from Best Care worked alongside Simone Absalom-Gale to shoot and record the news. They operated the camera and teleprompter, allowing the bulletin to be produced and aired on schedule.

Officials described the initiative as new territory for both PBCJ and the school. Students were trained, guided and mentored across departments and left more confident and capable, organisers said. The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information was represented at the closing event, where speakers praised PBCJ for extending opportunities beyond labels and for signalling inclusive pathways into work.

Educators from Best Care said the placement exceeded a routine workplace tour by opening broadcasting as a career option and showing that learners with special needs can contribute in professional settings. Students thanked PBCJ for support, meals and supervision, with several saying they hoped to return for future placements.

Jacob said he enjoyed the environment and had learned a great deal. Abigail said she would choose PBCJ again if given another chance next year. Alicia thanked the team for hosting her and said she would like to come back because the staff were welcoming and encouraging.