Ready for the world of work!
– 173 complete job readiness training
DPI, Guyana, Friday, September 27, 2019
“I would not be standing here speaking to you today were it not for the training I underwent,” said Sasha Samuels. Originally from Region 5, Samuels was one of 173 other participants who recently completed a 3-week job readiness training programme.
Speaking at the graduation exercise Samuels described the training programme as “life-changing”. “After completing the training, I was successful in securing employment with a small private business as a teacher. The training has helped me to function well in my work environment. For example, I seek the guidance of my supervisor when I am not clear about something before, I present it to my students,” she explained.
The exercise was facilitated by the Specialists in Sustained Youth Development and Research (SSYDR Incorporated.) and saw the involvement of young people from Regions 4, 5, and 6 who are now equipped with the necessary tools required for the world for work.
The training forms part of component one of the Ministry of Public Security’s Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP), that aims to curb crime and violence among young people. Through the programme, 1,200 youths will benefit from similar training sessions funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
Project Manager of CSSP, Dr. Clement Henry said the training was aimed at fostering resilience among young people and ensuring they are workplace-ready. Henry urged the recent graduates to “be persistent, learn to accept criticism, be disciplined and to cultivate the right attitude”.
He advised that having those qualities are important to securing and keeping a job. Of those qualities, being able to accept criticism is pivotal. “Learn to accept criticism, some would be justified and some would not be justified but learn to justify criticism. You must be able to have the capacity for self-reflection,” he underscored.
Henry congratulated the participants for completing the training, explaining that they now have a wealth of knowledge that will remain with them forever.
Chief Executive Officer and Founder of SSYRD Incorporated.l, Magda Wills said that of the 173 that completed the programme, there were 120 females and 53 males. With that, she called on the graduates to “assist in telling others within your communities about what is being offered so that they can grasp the opportunities”.