Youth Employability Program 2018

The Youth Employability Program is a five week program targeting unskilled, vulnerable and disadvantaged youths. There are 94 trainees who will participate in courses on commercial food preparation, nail care, air conditioning and refrigeration, as well as entrepreneurship and basic math.

The Barrouallie Technical Institute partial scholarships cover meals for 20 “at-risk” trainees in courses on data operations, building construction, food and drinks service, garment construction, and food preparation over an academic year.

The Youth Employability Program had 94 young participants in four skill areas:

• Introductory Plumbing – 22 trainees
• Refrigeration & AC Repairs & Maintenance – 22 trainees
• Electrical Installation & Maintenance – 23 trainees
• Commercial Food Preparation – 27 trainees

Opening remarks were made by Janelle Allen, Deputy Dean of DTVE, who thanked the Mustique Charitable Foundation for its continued contribution to the DTVE.

Osborne Bowens, Dean of DTVE, also commended the Mustique Charitable Foundation for its collaboration with DTVE to bring the Youth Employability Program to fruition. Mr. Bowens, the initiator of this program, highlighted the importance of technically trained professionals and the part they play in the development of our society and our country as a whole.

Hon St. Clair Prince, Minister of Education, made brief remarks thanking the Foundation.

77 participants got certificates of successful completion, 16 participants got certificates of participation and 1 participant was unable to complete the course.

There was a sense of pride and accomplishment from the graduates of the Youth Employability program and Mr. Bowens indicated that 3 students who participated in Commercial Food Preparation were employed subsequent to the training.

Participants in the Youth Employability Program were also very grateful and excited about receiving their individual starter kits which are intended to assist them in their field of expertise. It can be said that the Youth Employability Program with a pass rate of 82% was a success and a viable venture on the part of the Mustique Charitable Foundation.

Following the Certificate Presentation, 11 Associate Degree Scholarships for academic year 2018-2019 were disbursed to qualified recipients who were identified by SVGCC-DTVE in the following programs:

• Hospitality Studies – 3
• Culinary Arts – 3
• Electrical Engineering Technology – 2
• Agricultural Science & Entrepreneurship – 1
• Information and Communication Technology – 1
• Office Administration – 1