More young people to benefit from OECS project

Panel including Permanent Secretary Marilyn Austin-Cadore;
Chief Education Officer, Julien Ogilvie; and Project Manager, Peron Johnson.

Eighty more unemployed youths have been given the opportunity to learn a skill under the OECS (Grenada) Skills for Inclusive Growth Project being administered by the National Training Agency.

The main objective of the Project is to train young persons in an occupational skill in order to increase their employability and mobility.

During an Orientation session at the Grenada Youth Centre in Morne Rouge on Monday, October 29, 2012, all of the speakers addressing the new trainees stressed the need to have good, positive attitudes which can be transported into the workplace for better relationships and increased productivity.

Participants in the OECS (Grenada) Inclusive Growth Project.

Permanent Secretary in the Department of Human Resources of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources, Marilyn Austin-Cadore, made the observation that the Project recognises the link between education, economic progress, and social mobility. Ms. Austin-Cadore encouraged the participants to see the training as another opportunity to develop themselves and one in which positive attitudes could be developed. She also reminded the trainees that learning is a lifelong process.

“Today I urge you to embrace this training. We don’t know everything. Every day we learn something new, so take it seriously. Be at class, be punctual; grasp as much as you can; take responsibility for your own development.”

Chief Education Officer, Julien Ogilvie, told each trainee that they are endowed with the ability to succeed and do well, but they have a purpose for their life and know what they want to achieve. He also explained that employers want workers with good attitudes since it is easier to teach skills than attitudes.  

Project Manager, Peron Johnson, spoke about the Project preparing the trainees for job and entrepreneurial opportunities which will arise now and in the future. She said it is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared.

The Orientation was for four training programmes – three in Data Operations and one, for the first time, a programme in Cricket Pitch and Field Maintenance. The four programmes will be delivered in St. George’s.

Upon completion, trainees will receive National Vocational Qualification certification at Level 1 competency.