Hundreds to Benefit from Heart Trust/NTA Apprenticeship Programme

The HEART Trust/NTA has revived its apprenticeship programme, which will see hundreds of young people across the island gaining on-the-job training in several skill areas.

Already, more than 200 persons are engaged in training in sectors ranging from logistics to digital animation, under the Registered Apprenticeship Programme (RAP), which was officially launched on Thursday, December 4, at the Knutsford Court hotel in New Kingston.

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, in endorsing the initiative, said the RAP will provide Jamaica with a modern and competitive work force, trained at international standards.

“If we are serious about investments, we cannot underestimate the vital importance of having a skilled and highly trained and certified workforce available for employment. This is one of the pillars on which modern industry and commerce is built,” he noted.

He argued that as the Government works towards building a globally competitive economy that is logistics-centred, it is essential to develop the capabilities of the Jamaican workforce in order to drive productivity to the levels being demanded by the investor community.

Education Minister, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, said the initiative fits perfectly with the new and transformed concept of education in Jamaica and its role in the socio-economic development of the people.

He noted that for far too long, academic excellence in the sciences and the arts has been given precedence over Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

He said both areas are vital for the development of a modern and qualified workforce.

Chairman, Apprenticeship Board and Vice President, School of Graduate Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship, University of Technology (UTech), Professor Gossett Oliver, said the apprenticeship system will help to foster the advancement of young people and also propel economic growth.

“Research shows that apprenticeship is one of the hallmarks in terms of enhancing productivity, improving well-being and status, and keeping our young people in meaningful employment,” he stated.

He noted further that the RAP “is a very modern, on-the-job form of training that is standards-driven, competency-based, flexible and socially inclusive. It provides you with certification that is bench-marked to international standards.”

Trainees will receive certification at the end of the programme, at which time participating companies are expected to provide permanent posts for the graduates.