Twenty-seven people graduated last week from the Technical/Vocational Education and Training Apprenticeship Programme during a ceremony at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.
The programme, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Education and Culture and HLSCC, offers entry-level professional training for unemployed residents between the ages of 18 and 30, according to government.
Students choose from six subject areas: air conditioning and refrigeration; motor vehicle management; culinary and restaurant skills; general office skills; computer application; and woodwork.
Graduates will now have the opportunity to obtain a further certification from City and Guilds, a United Kingdom-based vocational training programme, according to government.
During the July 6 ceremony, Education and Culture Minister Myron Walwyn congratulated the graduates and told them that he learned much about the hospitality business in school, while employed as a restaurant busboy.
Remarks were also delivered by architect Steve Augustine, the keynote speaker; student respondent Taniel Todman; acting Director of Youth Affairs and Sports Brenda Lettsome-Tye; HLSCC Dean of Workforce Training Bernadine Louis; Programme Counsellor Reverend Wayne Hoyte; and Follow the Movement leader Craig Lake.
Nine cohorts of students have completed the TVET Apprenticeship Programme since 2006, according to government. Last week’s graduates began the programme in September.
For more information about the TVET programme, contact coordinator Allen Hodge in the MEC at 468-2151.
{fcomment}