More than $2 million will be spent this year on a programme aimed at helping the unemployed back to work, Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said.
During his Monday budget address, Mr. Wheatley stated that road maintenance and “beautification” projects had benefited from the Registration, Apprenticeship, Training, Employment and Development programme.
The initiative, known as “RATED,” has secured temporary employment for 233 people so far this year, including 214 assigned to roadside cleaning, according to the premier.
He added that 19 people took part in the apprenticeship part of the programme, which saw them engage in administration activities in government offices.
Funding
So far this year, he added, $1,532,838 has been spent on the initiative, with another $500,000 of funding set to be provided by the end of next month.
“A significant complement to the road maintenance and roadside beautification programme has been the continued success of the RATED programme,” he said. “Since its launch, a notable number of individuals have successfully secured temporary employment for 2024.”
Qualifications
The RATED programme was established in November 2022 to bring skill training opportunities in the public service to unemployed VI residents. It is open to Virgin Islanders and belongers between ages 18 and 70 who are out of work or employed part-time.
The RATED programme covers areas including landscaping, bush cutting, painting, construction, carpentry, marine work, administration, data entry, hospitality and public relations, according to government.
Mr. Wheatley also used his budget address to state that infrastructure initiatives, including roads, would be boosted next year due to a record $100 million loan secured by the government.