LIFT Programme Spurs Young Jamaican’s Career Path

Twenty-year-old Olivia Reid came across a video promoting the Learning and Investment for Transformation (LIFT) Programme while scrolling on TikTok.

The Queen’s School graduate then contacted her Councillor and expressed an interest in applying.

Olivia was seeking on-the-job experience and an opportunity to interact with like-minded individuals, both of which the LIFT Programme promised.

LIFT is a $2-billion Government of Jamaica initiative, aimed at bolstering the social mobility of 2,500 youth over a five-year period.

It targets fifth and sixth form graduates and provides sustainable avenues for education, employment and assimilation into society.

On completing orientation and an eight-week employment transition training, Olivia was placed at First Global Bank in St. Catherine last November, for one year of on-the-job training.

She works in the Compliance Unit, where her main role is to close out non-compliant accounts.

Olivia admits that it was not an area she had an interest in. However, once she understood what the job entailed, she gave it her best shot.

“I got to interact more with the software that the company has, and it’s very interesting, because I love computer science and I love learning about new software,” she tells JIS News.

Prior to the LIFT Programme, Oliva says she was uncertain about the career path she would take.

“I’m tech savvy and I’ve always been interested in computer science, but I didn’t think it was doable at the time. But once I was placed in the programme and I saw that there were a lot of women in computer science, I got more comfortable exploring the field,” she shares.

Of the many things she learnt in the workshops, Olivia says that one nugget has stuck with her – “our response is our responsibility.”

She explains that it means that she is responsible for how she reacts to customers, events and situations.

Each month, $15,000 is reserved from the salaries of participants as compulsory savings, and that sum will be paid out on completion.

“In the programme, we learnt about financial literacy, and a big part of financial literacy is saving; but also, what you’re going to be doing with the savings. I had the whole year to think about what I’m going to be doing with my money and I want to invest it,” Olivia informs

Meanwhile, Olivia shares that she has been enjoying driving lessons, as her instructor helps to keep her levelheaded while teaching her to drive defensively.

“I have two lessons left. I love driving and I feel like I will ace my driving test,” she confidently states.

Oliva tells JIS News that the highlight of the programme was meeting all the “LIFTers.”

She shares that they have helped her to grow, and they consistently keep in contact with each other.

Olivia notes that she is ready for the world of work, pointing out that she has mastered communicating with her superiors in a professional manner.

“I am also more efficient when it comes to completing tasks. Once they give me a deadline, I make sure to meet them. I am more productive,” she adds.

Olivia is among 449 youth who will complete the first year of the LIFT Programme on November 29.

“It’s very transformational. I think HEART has done their duties [to score] 10 out of 10. I was placed at First Global Bank and, normally, I wouldn’t be able to work at a bank without a degree; so I now have work experience,” she says, noting that she is looking forward to being recruited on a permanent basis.

For Olivia, the LIFT Programme is what you make it.

“Once you join the programme, you have to pull up your pants. It is a good programme; but if you come in the programme laid back, you won’t get the same experience I had. Once you come eager, HEART will always keep their hands open for you and they will never turn you away,” she underscores.