HEART/NSTA Trust Partnering with 400 Firms for Hope Youth Summer Jobs

The HEART/NSTA Trust will be partnering with more than 400 private-sector companies to provide employment opportunities through its HOPE Youth Summer Work Programme.

Director of Community Engagement, Ronique Rhoden, told JIS News that the programme was inherited following the Trust’s merger with the National Youth Service (NYS).

“This is one of the oldest programmes we’ve had, and we continue to see great successes for the programme. We find that this is a great way to engage our three per cent contributors, and also for our young people to have real-world experience. The private sector has always been on board with providing experience for our young people, so we continue to engage them and, as such, we’re always looking for additional partners,” Ms. Rhoden said.

She noted that the programme is targeting 3,000 participants this year. Applications will close on May 30 and interested persons may apply online at summerjob.heart-nsta.org or submit applications at any HEART/NSTA Trust parish office.

Participants will be engaged for a period of three weeks and will receive a weekly stipend, with the amount determined by their level of education: fifth-form students – $16,000; sixth-form students – $17,500; first and second-year tertiary students – $20,500; third-year tertiary and master’s students – $23,.

“We’re happy to continue to provide the trainees with the stipend and we’re grateful to the partners who provide additional funds to the trainees,” Ms. Rhoden told JIS News.

She explained that applicants are asked to indicate their areas of interest during the application process, which are then matched with participating employers.

“We want to be able to place young people as much as possible in sectors that align to what they’re studying at school or areas that they’re interested in,” the Director said, adding that HEART also seeks opportunities to engage employers in other programmes throughout the year.

Ms. Rhoden further shared that participants will undergo an orientation process, during which they will receive guidance on workplace expectations, financial management, and other key areas.