CSJP Interns Benefit from Career Day Exposition

The employment prospects for more than 50 Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP) interns have been increased following their participation in a recent Jamaica Defence Force (JDF)-organised Career Day exposition at Up Park Camp in Kingston.

The event was aimed at, among other things, exposing them to and linking them with potential employers from the private sector.

Persons from at-risk communities in Kingston and St. Andrew were involved in an on-the-job and internship training programme facilitated under a partnership between CSJP and the JDF.

They were trained and certified in general construction by HEART Trust/NTA. Additionally, they received training in tiling and drywall installation, which were accredited by the agency.

The Career Day also featured presentations on the partnership between CSJP and JDF and the work of the trainees; a tour of a building that is being constructed by CSJP interns as well as an interactive session during which potential employers engaged the participants in dialogue.

Acting Adjutant at the JDF’s 1 Engineering Regiment, Captain Daniel Khan, told JIS News that the Career Day was the ideal activity to assist in filling the gap that exists between the internship programme and potential employment opportunities.

Noting that the internship programme included assistance with personal development, Captain Khan said it also aims to reposition participants to “go back to their communities and be positive role models”.

He lauded the CSJP, describing it as “one of the best social intervention programmes” being implemented.

“The programme is fighting crime by essentially giving persons economic opportunities. Lack of economic opportunities is a source of crime, and through the CSJP, we are giving a number of persons, from a wide cross section of areas, economic opportunities,” Captain Khan added.

Meanwhile, CSJP intern from Waterhouse, Marcelee Miller, told JIS News that she has submitted job applications to some of the entities whose representatives attended the Career Day.

“Those companies gave me hope and reassured me that I am qualified enough to get a job after my internship,” she said.

While noting that she was not initially interested in construction, Ms. Miller said as a result of her participation in the Career Day, “I (have now) started to enjoy it”.

“In my community, I stand out because of my interest in construction. I can do tiling and drywall (installation) and I am certified in (those) areas. I am looking forward to doing blue prints and I just want to thank CSJP and JDF for the opportunity,” she shared.

For his part, Personnel and Transportation Manager at Barnaby Engineering and Testing Services Limited, Damion Laing, who attended the Career Day, said his company was interested in providing seasonal employment for some of the CSJP interns.

“It was an eye-opening experience as I was impressed with the level of work and interest shown by the interns. Anything that is needed to continue such a programme should be facilitated and encouraged,” he said.