The first cohort of participants in the Ministry of Education and Culture’s (MEC) Apprenticeship Programme is moving into its sixth month and additional training for new and old cohorts will be held through a workshop from September 14 to 18.

The apprentices will fine tune their interviewing and soft skills and assistance will be given in making them job ready before the launch of the programme’s job fair.

Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture and Programme Coordinator, Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye said during these sessions, participants will be trained in communication skills, customer service skills, interviewing skills and team building skills.

She stated, “They will also be exposed to activities to develop the whole person. The MEC Apprenticeship Programme believes that by providing our apprentices with rounded training, it will improve their ability to be successful in the programme and beyond.”

The MEC Apprenticeship Programme is an ongoing initiative geared to help the youth of the Virgin Islands find employment through a coordinated effort involving business and industry. At the end of the six month apprenticeship period, a new cohort of young persons is selected.

Mrs. Lettsome-Tye said 19 businesses have committed to the programme and 30 apprentices have been hired. She thanked businesses that joined since the programme’s inception.

She added, “We have had many successful placements and after a very short period, several businesses have already committed to retaining their apprentice after the six month period. I invite other businesses in the community to follow the example of businesses that committed in the first cohort and give our MEC Apprenticeship Programme a try.”

The Programme is open to any business or industry partner throughout the Territory who is willing to partner with the Ministry of Education and Culture to provide employment to young persons who meet the criteria for selection for a period of six months. During this time, the business pays half, and the government the other half of the monthly salary.

Through participation in the MEC Apprenticeship Programme, employers are provided an opportunity to help prepare future workers, reduce their costs for recruitment and training and improve employee retention, while building a skilled, home grown work force. The MEC Apprenticeship Programme benefits the community by providing an informed, competent and productive work force, enhancing awareness of local employment opportunities, and building the foundation for a more productive local community.

The MEC Apprenticeship Programme is available to young BVIslanders/Belongers throughout the Territory, from Anegada to Jost Van Dyke, between the ages of 18 to 29 who have been registered at the Youth Employment Services and are currently unemployed. To register, persons are asked to contact programme coordinator and Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture, Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye at 468-3351 or by email at brlettsome-tye@gov.vg.

The Ministry of Education and Culture strives to effectively manage and administer the Territory’s future through the support of this programme and its youth in all aspects. Please contact the Ministry of Education and Culture at 468-2151 for more information on the MEC Apprenticeship Programme.