10,000 Persons Being Recruited This Year under the Youth Summer Employment Programme

The Government will, this year, employ 10,000 young people under the Youth Summer Employment Programme (YSEP).

Making the announcement, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said this year’s intake will be the largest since the programme’s inception in 2017, adding that the 2024 renewal will be formally launched soon.

He was making his contribution to the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (May 28).

Mr. McKenzie informed that this year’s participants will be assigned to various government agencies, including the Social Development Commission (SDC), National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) and Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB).

“Never before in the history of Jamaica has any Government, in any one given time, offered so much in terms of employment to our young people,” he declared.

The YSEP assists young Jamaicans, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds who may face challenges in finding employment, by placing them in various work environments.

Participants can gain practical knowledge, improve their communication and teamwork skills, and develop strong work ethic, which are essential for their personal and professional growth.

YSEP also enables participants to earn an income, thereby empowering them to become financially independent.

This not only helps the beneficiaries to support themselves but also reduces the burden on their families and contributes to the overall economic well-being of Jamaican households.