HEART TRUST/NTA Partners with JEF

The Jamaica Employers Federation (JEF) and the HEART Trust/NTA have renewed their partnership agreement to develop training programmes to benefit the Jamaican workforce and companies.

Speaking with JIS News, following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the official launch of National Employers’ Month celebrations, at the JEF’s headquarters, in Kingston, on September 5, Chief Executive Officer of the JEF, Brenda Cuthbert, said the agreement, which will last for two years, deals with cooperation and collaboration.

“We want to make sure that the whole business of certification is underscored. We want to make sure that we have a workforce which is ready and employees who are certified and ready for work,” she emphasised.

She informed that the JEF will provide the HEART Trust/NTA with the names of companies that need assistance regarding certification and training.

For his part, Executive Director, HEART Trust/NTA, Dr. Wayne Wesley, said the partnership will assist in advancing the mission and vision of the HEART Trust.

“This partnership is critical to the Trust, given the fact that the Trust Fund is maintained through the loyal three per cent contribution of our employers. We cannot underestimate your commitment in that regard, and in turn we are making training available. Let us know what your training needs are, so we can respond accordingly,” he urged.

Dr. Wesley emphasised that on-the-job training through apprenticeship, internship and industry work experience is crucial to the HEART Trust/NTA.

He added that his agency is committed to nation building and economic development, through the provision of an internationally recognised certified and competent workforce.

The HEART Trust/NTA serves as a model in developing and implementing competency-based skill standards and qualifications in the Caribbean.

The mission of the JEF is to remain the premiere employers’ organization in the region, by continuously providing valuable services to their members, thereby assisting them in achieving global competitiveness.

In the meantime, National Employers’ Month, which was officially launched during the function, will be celebrated this month.

Activities for the month include a church service at the Tarrant Baptist Church on Sunday, September 7; members’ forum on Monday, September 8; members meeting on Thursday, September 11, and seminars.

National Employers’ Month is being observed under the theme: ‘Our Agenda…Growth, Development, Partnership for Prosperity’.