Twenty-seven of the Territory’s youth have successfully completed the Technical/Vocational Education and Training Apprenticeship (TVET) Programme.

The young persons received their certificates at a graduation ceremony held yesterday at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC).

The TVET Programme is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Education and Culture and HLSCC. The programme continues to offer entry level professional training in air conditioning and refrigeration, motor vehicle management, culinary and restaurant skills, general office skills, computer application and woodwork to persons between the ages of 18 and 30 years old, who are currently unemployed.

Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn in his congratulatory remarks related a personal story to the graduates about his hospitality/ tourism career goals. He recounted that he learned the business in school, while employed as a restaurant busboy.

Honourable Walwyn encouraged the graduates to continue to pursue their passion and that they can look forward to benefitting from their lucrative vocations. 

Graduates will have the opportunity to obtain a City and Guilds certification following completion of the programme. City and Guilds is a global leader in skills development, providing services to training providers, employers, and trainees across a variety of sectors to meet the needs of today’s workplace.

Remarks were also delivered by Architect and keynote speaker, Mr. Steve Augustine; student respondent, Mr. Taniel Todman; Acting Director of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye; Dean of Workforce Training in HLSCC, Mrs. Bernadine Louis; Programme Counsellor Reverend, Wayne R. Hoyte; and Follow the Movement’s, Mr. Craig Lake.

Nine cohorts of students have completed the TVET Apprenticeship Programme since 2006. This recent cohort of graduates began the programme in September 2015.                     Persons can contact coordinator, Mr. Allen Hodge in the Ministry of Education and Culture at 468-2151 for more information about the programme.

The Ministry of Education and Culture is committed to creating a “Culture of Excellence”.