Minister congratulates first cohort of careers course
A specialist team was congratulated today by the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors for the first full rotation of a young people’s employment scheme.
Tinée Furbert told the House of Assembly that her Office of Youth Affairs successfully launched the Job Readiness Programme.
She described it as “a programme that began as a kernel” that “blossomed into a bountiful crop”.
Ms Furbert said: “This programme is a result of years of hard work carried out by the staff in the Office of Youth Affairs.”
The scheme was launched last year and aims to equip young people with crucial skills and experience to prepare them for formal employment.
Ms Furbert explained that the programme, formed across several years, started as a combination of the counsellor-in-training programme and the later leadership-in-training programme.
The CIT programme featured youngsters volunteering at community centres with the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Recreation over the summer.
Many of those who went through the course ended up becoming camp counsellors and even secured employment with the Department of Sport.
The CIT programme was initially aimed at primary school pupils but after parents’ input it later expanded to include high school pupils.
The LIT programme was introduced later to the extend opportunities during the midterm holidays.
The Job Readiness Programme was offered to high school-aged children.
Members of the Office of Youth Affairs promoted the programme by communicating with students through schools, as well as through social and traditional media.
Ms Furbert said that participants underwent a two-week volunteer period at a community centre before working at least five hours a day during school term breaks.
She said that the approach helped young people to build a strong work ethic and necessary practical skills.
Ms Furbert added that the advantages of the programme were “substantial”.
She said: “It fosters skill development in various areas, including communication, leadership, teamwork, critical caregiving skills, how to create safe and nurturing environments for children and develop crucial soft skills like time-management, self-control, conflict resolution and resilience, among others.”
Ms Furbert said the first cohort, a group of ten, showed “remarkable dedication” and stayed with the programme for the entire summer.
Youngsters who completed the Job Readiness Programme shared what they took away from the scheme.
Jaidan Durrant said that he learnt much from co-workers, enjoyed interacting with children and learnt self-control and conflict resolution skills.
Makaylie Smith noted the children’s energy and said that one of the major skills she learnt was patience.
Deja Steede said that meeting and interacting with children made her more open-minded.
Daetona Simons said that the programme forced her to become more disciplined and reliable, all while helping her build strong relationships with children and fellow staff.
Ms Furbert said that participants were able to earn community service hours through the programme and personal reference letters.
She added that four students who completed the programme after their high school graduation have since been hired into former employment.
Ms Furbert said: “I, alongside the Office of Youth Affairs, proudly acknowledge the accomplishments of these young individuals who have only recently graduated from high school and are now embarking on their next educational journey.”
The next cohort of the Job Readiness Programme is set to start on Monday with a group of 12 young people.
• To see the minister’s statement in full, see Related Media