"It should be part of the school curriculum," Shaunté Simons said of the Counsellor in Training programme offered by the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation. "It's a worthwhile experience. I think a lot of teens need to get involved in it because it's very useful. It prepares you for exactly what you need to do when you apply for a job, get a job and also how to keep a job."

Sixteen-year-old Shaunté has just completed the 18-month programme, which culminated in summer work experience in three different positions. She earned a reasonable salary as she garnered invaluable experience in her chosen career field, law.

At the Attorney General's chambers the Saltus Grammar School AP student found "a great mentor" in Leighton Rochester. While there she was able to observe cases being presented in court and help with research. At the firm of Sonia Grant & Associates, she got the opportunity to see the hard work it took to build a practice.

Her final placement was at the office of the Sandys Community Centre and the teen girls camp at Boaz Island, where she was able to act as mentor herself. It was, she concluded: "A very nice way to end the summer."

Shaunté first got involved in the Counsellor in Training programme when she saw a newspaper advertisement and signed up for the course. She was interested in learning more about a programme for 14- to 16-year-olds which promised to teach them how to present themselves in a work environment, from interview to team building on the job.

The programme was offered at the three community centres, and as she lived in the East End, she attended the St. George's Community Centre with three other girls.

Under the guidance of Caprial Dill, the girls learned among other things what to wear, how to speak professionally, how to work together and manage conflict, how to make themselves heard and listen effectively to others and to respect differences. They also learned what not to do, especially in the office environment.

During the weekly sessions they responded to handouts, shared personal experiences and completed periodic tests that assessed their progress. Practical advice presented in a manner the teens could understand is what made the sessions so valuable.

There were also opportunities to share with those enrolled in the CIT programme through the other community centres at joint lectures and expeditions – one being a weekend camp at Port's Island where they learned CPR, first aid skills and team-building skills.

On top of all this, there was a requirement to complete 40 hours of community service: no big deal for Shaunté as, she explained: "I'm busy everyday with one task or another that adds up to community hours, so it was easy to do. As a matter of fact, I have over 200 community hours so far this year."

Summing up the programme, Shuanté affirmed, that what was offered was "something everyone should learn, because everyone should be aiming for a job. You need a job to survive."

l For more information about the Counsellors in Training (CIT) programme, which is open to all young people between 12 to 14 years of age, call Keith Smith at the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation on 295-0855.