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Last Updated: Mar 25, 2017 - 2:17:49 PM |
 Nassau, Bahamas - Speaking Notes For The Prime Minister and Minister of Finance at The Graduation Exercise of the 7th Cohort of NTA Trainees March 23rd at 6:30p.m:
1. A Prime Minister that believes in the Bahamas and Bahamians. Be assured that this sentiment pulsates from the very core of my inner being.
2. Since our previous term in government 2002-2007 we recognized that there were things we needed to do to assist Bahamians who do not have the skills or education they need to compete for twenty first century jobs. There was also the recognition that being academically challenged or not being the brightest or smartest student does not mean that an individual is not equipped with the attributes (soft skills) and competencies that can contribute to success in his or her area of endeavour.
3. Establishing the National Training Agency was a policy decision my government made to develop and improve job preparation and employability skills among other things, so that young Bahamians like the 196 of you graduating as the 7th cohort of the Agency will have a better chance of securing meaningful employment that would improve the chance of you having a better quality of life. I am informed that already some 20% of those of you graduating in this cohort have already secured meaningful full time employment.
4. Looking around the room seeing your faces and sensing your eagerness to receive your certificates and awards I know that this policy decision was a right and good one and I am proud of the positive difference that the NTA has made in your lives and in the lives of many your peers.
5. What is striking is the extraordinary success that the NTA has had since it was launched by me on July 15th, 2013. Less than four years later the Agency has provided soft and practical skills training with appropriate certification for seven (7) cohorts of trainees in New Providence totaling twenty three hundred (2300) trainees. These include certifications from internationally renowned qualifications providers such as the City and Guilds Group, the International Institute of Health Care Professionals, Inc. (U.S.A) and the London Guild of Professional Butlers.
In Grand Bahama five (5) cohorts have been trained, approximating four hundred and seventy (470) trainees and in Exuma and Eleuthera three (3) cohorts approximating one hundred and twenty six (126) and one (1) cohort of 36, respectively. All of these trainees receive soft skills training and on the job internships at participating organizations and businesses.
6. In addition the Agency provided soft skills training for an additional twelve hundred and sixty (1260) Bahamians preparing them for the government / International Development Bank sponsored Job Empowerment Apprenticeship Program and the Citizens Security and Justice (at risk) youth apprenticeship programs. The Agency also provided job retooling skills for over five hundred and sixty (560) persons for possible employment with Bahamar.
7. The NTA and the work it is doing has my full support and that of my government. The theme of the Agency “Investing in You” reflects our sentiments and you have my assurance that we are investing in you. That is why the training provided for you by the NTA is free to you. I am heartened that you have seized this opportunity to take advantage of all that is being offered.
8. I am informed that a more mature group of unemployed, as well as employed Bahamians are consistently lobbying the NTA to provide job retraining and retooling opportunities for them. We need to examine our coffers and see how we can best accommodate those who truly want to pursue excellence in performance and productivity.
9. As we continue to search for innovative ways to create employment for Bahamians we expect the NTA to be a key player in preparing them for opportunities as they arise. Currently the NTA is partnering with the Ministry of Grand Bahama and the MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) Group to provide comprehensive training for Bahamians interested in careers with this worldwide shipping conglomerate, made up of container transport, terminal handling, luxury cruises and passenger ferries.
This is an excellent opportunity for Bahamians to gain new and exciting experiences and I encourage you to seriously consider employment in the shipping industry. The MSC group employs over sixty thousand (60,000) people in over 150 countries across the globe. Recruitment is in progress and you can get details from the NTA or the Ministry of Grand Bahama.
10. Now we know that most Bahamians find it hard to leave the familiarity of home, however it is my hope that some of you who have trained with the NTA, perhaps some from this group will embrace the nontraditional jobs and careers such as those at sea thereby advancing and broadening your skills and capabilities. Employment opportunities also exist in our family islands such as Bimini and Exuma. You must prepare to take advantage of such opportunities.
11. Graduates, as you receive your certificates and awards I want you to know that I am proud of this step that you have taken to enhance your competencies and skills. I am hoping, however that more young adult males will take advantage of these training programs so that they too can have easier access to employment and entrepreneurial opportunities as they present themselves.
I am informed that out of this cohort of one hundred and ninety six (196) trainees fifty (50) are males. That is about 25%. This ratio is lower than the previous cohorts which averaged 37% to 40% male. I hope that cohort eight which already has about ninety (90) registrants, will end up with at least 50% male before the training begins in July. NTA you have more work to do in attracting more young men to your programs.
12. In conclusion let me reiterate that I believe in the Bahamas and I believe in Bahamians. The first class successes that Bahamians have achieved make me know this.
Graduates I believe in you. As you begin your employment journey strive for excellence in all that you do. Let us make the Bahamas first class… World Class… the best little country in the world.
© Copyright 2017 by thebahamasweekly.com
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