395 Persons Enrolled in HEART’s Summer of Skills Programme

Three hundred and ninety-five Jamaicans have been enrolled in the HEART/NSTA Trust’s Summer of Skills Programme.

The programme offers persons 15 years and older the opportunity to enhance their practical skills for employment or entrepreneurship and explore their passions in the creative arts and technical innovation.

It aims to strengthen Jamaica’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem by providing training in high-demand sectors such as welding, cabinet making, cosmetology, event coordination, cake baking and decorating, guest room services, and tiling.

Hurricane Beryl’s impact delayed the start of programmes in Region Five, which covers the parishes of Manchester and St. Elizabeth.

In a report shared with JIS News, HEART noted that in Region One, courses in graphics illustration and advanced data entry processing at the Garmex Academy initially had low enrolments, prompting an extension in the registration period.

The Heart College of Beauty Services, LEAP Centre and other campuses have been offering courses in areas such as nail care, hair braiding, and baking.

In Region Two, active programmes include dry wall installation and tiling, with upcoming courses in cake baking and bartending.

Region Three, which covers Trelawny, saw a low uptake for information technology for office operations, leading some participants to other courses.

Of the 11 applicants, three are currently enrolled in the drywall installation programme, while the remaining eight were recommended to the Housing, Opportunity, Production and Employment (HOPE) Youth Summer Work Programme and commenced working in August.

Region Four is offering a diverse range of courses, including robotics, customer service, cooking classes for children, housekeeping and baking.

HEART explained that despite varying enrolment levels, the Summer of Skills programme effectively equips participants with practical skills, supporting personal growth and economic development across Jamaica.

Through interactive workshops and collaborative projects, HEART also hopes to foster confidence, teamwork and leadership skills in the participants.