The Ocean Careers Immersion Program (OCIP) is an initiative of OceansAdvance Inc., econext, Council of Marine Professional Associates (COMPASS), and Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA) that helps high school students explore careers in the ocean sector through real-world project-based internships. This six-week placement allows students to gain hands-on experience in the latest technologies and explore their interests in ocean-related careers.

This is the second year we partnered with OCIP. We believe work experience is vital in ensuring students make good career decisions and build their professional network. This program aligns with our 2021-2025 strategic goal to uplift community and ecosystem partnerships that link purpose to our work, the places we work, and the industries we serve.

Our student intern this year was Arthur Santos, who worked with the Genoa Academy to develop future curriculum and take our 3D printer for a spin, learning how to use the programs involved along the way. As Technical Training Manager, Gale Gillingham puts it,

“Arthur, our summer work-term intern at Genoa Academy, translated our conceptual board game components into tangible, innovative physical prototypes by leveraging his advanced skills in 3D printing research and capabilities.”

Check out our interview below to see what Arthur had to say about his experience!

 

 

Hi Arthur, can you tell me a bit about yourself?

I’m Arthur Santos. I’m a Gonzaga High School student, and I’ll start Grade 12 this year.

 

What are your interests?

I’m interested in 3D modeling and the arts. I also really enjoy sports, especially soccer.

 

What interested you in the OCIP program?

I wanted to understand how the ocean sector worked in the tech area and learn about career opportunities in this sector.

 

 

Tell us about your experience at Genoa.

It was such a rewarding experience; I learned AutoCAD software, which is very popular in this industry and got an in-person working experience while having lots of fun.

 

What have you learned during your time at Genoa?

I learned a lot about AutoCAD; I learned the software from scratch. I also learned how to 3D print, which I wasn’t familiar with before. I experienced how to work in the office, and relating with the team was a great opportunity to learn a lot of soft skills. Watching the team working in unity and collaborating showed people’s professionalism, respect, and positive energy at Genoa.

 

 

What was your favourite thing about your summer placement?

I really enjoyed bringing my models to life with the 3D printer. It allowed me to combine all my skills and turn my designs into real-life pieces, just like they’d do in a shipyard.

 

What skills have you gained from your experience?

During the internship, I was able to learn how to work in an office environment by reinforcing my soft skills such as teamwork, communication and speaking.

 

Did your time at Genoa have any influence on your future educational pathway?

Yes, it made me realize how even having a background in tech can be helpful to the ocean industry. This gives me a lot more opportunities since technology can be used in many different industries. My internship at Genoa helped me decide that I want to continue learning more about 3D and design, and certainly, this is the field I want to follow in my career.

 

Who would you recommend applying to the OCIP program in the future?

I would recommend anyone who’s willing to learn about the ocean field and expand their skills and knowledge in a working environment.

 

 

What are your plans for September?

I’ll be starting Grade 12 and looking to have a good start for my last school year. Additionally, I’ll continue developing my personal projects in design and 3D.

 

What are your plans after graduation?

I’ll be looking to start university and take courses in the tech and art fields.

 

What advice can you give their future students of summer programs?

Have fun and learn as much as possible. It will be worth it for the future of your career.

 

What is your opinion of the Newfoundland and Labrador ocean sector?

I think the NL ocean sector is big and essential to the province; it has a lot of history and is a significant industry in this province.

 

 

Photos by Chris Crockwell