HEART/NSTA Trust Launches Creative Apprenticeship Programme

The HEART/NSTA Trust has launched an apprenticeship programme aimed at building a pipeline of skilled, certified and industry-ready professionals for Jamaica’s creative economy.

The Apprenticeship for Creative Expressions (ACE) programme brings together more than 30 industry partners and 83 apprentices.

It was launched at six locations across the island on September 29.

The year-long initiative is designed to bridge the gap between creative talent and the practical skills demanded by the industry.

HEART/NSTA Trust Board Director, Keneea Linton-George, commended the Trust and industry partners for investing in the development of Jamaica’s emerging creative talent.

“To our industry partners, your role is far greater than providing a placement. You are helping to shape a developing creative professional. Your guidance, honest feedback and willingness to create meaningful learning opportunities will influence how these apprentices approach their craft and their careers,” she said.

She charged the apprentices to maximise the opportunity and encouraged them to remain open to learning and continuously raise the quality of their work.

“Allow every experience to sharpen your talent, deepen your discipline and shape the professional you are becoming. Stay open to guidance, take ownership of your growth and never stop raising the standard of your work,” Mrs. Linton-George said.

ACE combines on-the-job training with leading creative organisations, structured learning modules, mentorship, project-based assignments and portfolio development.

Placement of apprentices commenced on October 1 in the areas of multimedia, woodcraft, dance, photography, bag construction, film, drone operations, fashion design and service robot operations.

The final phase of ACE will focus on micro-entrepreneurship.

From April to July 2027, apprentices will receive enterprise-development training to help them convert technical skills, portfolios and industry experience into sustainable income-generating opportunities.

Training will cover business planning, costing and pricing, financial management, marketing, client relations and enterprise readiness.

Deputy Managing Director of the HEART/NSTA Trust, Dr. Cheryl McLaughlin, said the programme represents an important investment in developing a creative workforce capable of responding to the changing demands of industry.

“This opportunity requires commitment, punctuality, professionalism and the courage to keep learning. Use this experience to sharpen your skills, build your professional reputation and take ownership of your growth. To our industry partners, thank you for opening your workplaces, sharing your expertise and helping to prepare Jamaica’s next generation of creative professionals,” Dr. McLaughlin said.

For her part, Industry Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Bartley’s All in Wood, Lacy-Ann Bartley, welcomed the initiative, describing work-based learning as essential to developing the talent required to strengthen Jamaica’s productive sector.

“It cannot be done unless we are training the next generation. Small businesses form the pillar of our economy and communities. It is important that more programmes like this are brought to the fore and endorsed,” Ms. Bartley said.

Throughout the programme, the HEART/NSTA Trust will provide apprentices with stipend support, subject to the established attendance and participation requirements.