Stakeholders are underscoring the importance of the recently launched Skills Training for Workforce Development pilot’s implementation.
The initiative, which is a collaborative undertaking involving the Jamaica Defence Force, HEART/NSTA Trust and Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), will focus on skills that are in high demand locally.
Fifty young people, aged 18 to 23, will be trained in Business Administration and Electrical Installation over an eight-month period, comprising four months of training followed by four months of internship.
PSOJ Executive Director, Sacha Vaccianna-Riley, who emphasised the programme’s role in addressing critical labour market gaps, noted that “technical skills will address industry needs.”
She told JIS News that the focus on business administration and electrical installation, “we believe [will fulfil] the crucial skills gap which currently exists in our workforce, and we believe that it will, therefore, be very useful for us.”
She further indicated that this tactical approach augers well for Jamaica’s positioning as a logistics-centred economy.
“Graduates will enter the job market with certification and practical experience, which will make them an asset to industries such as construction and logistics and services. As Jamaica tries to develop, particularly in terms of a logistics-centred economy, we believe that skills such as these are going to be crucial in that development,” Mrs. Vaccianna-Riley said.
The Executive Director pointed out that the programme will also alleviate the need for businesses to conduct additional training for recruits.
“The JDF’s disciplined training approach combined with HEART/NSTA/Trust’s technical expertise will provide a high-quality structured learning experience which is well needed among our labour force. We see where participants who graduate will be work-ready, and [this will] reduce the time and cost businesses currently spend on training new employees,” she added.
Meanwhile, Director for Community Engagement at HEART, Ronique Rhoden, highlighted the invaluable exposure the participants will receive.
“In addition to learning a skill, importantly, these young people will benefit from a stipend as well, and they’ll be exposed to the world of work while gaining certification. This kind of industry exposure we really can’t pay for, and we’re grateful for partners such as the PSOJ for coming on board with the programme,” she said.
Source: JIS