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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Hon. D. Shane Gibson, Minister of Labour and National Insurance with responsibility for the Public Service, gives the keynote address.
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Freeport, Grand Bahama – “Success is not a matter of luck; it is the result of hard work and commitment.” This quote comprised the final words of encouragement spoken by the Hon. Shane Gibson, Minister of Labour and National Insurance and Minister of the Public Service.
The Minister was addressing the National Training Agency (NTA) programme second and third cohorts in Grand Bahama during their graduation held on Nov 19.
Lauded for their hard work and dedication by a gathering of internship providers, family and friends, the 105 graduates completed 14- weeks of training in both soft skills and competency based practical skills, which concluded with them receiving their well-earned certificates and awards.
The Minister noted that the graduates had reason to be proud, having completed skills training that included internships with various companies.
“I know that the 14 week training period has probably been one of sacrifice. Perhaps, it has also been a period of cognitive challenge wherein you had to grasp the knowledge imparted to you and convert what you learned into an actionable task. So after successful completion of your training, you deserve our congratulations for your achievements,” he said.
Noting that the programme was designed to develop programmes that will facilitate the decrease of the high rate of unemployment among youth and provide a safety net for those who may have fallen through the academic cracks of formal education and were unable to achieve sustainable certification, the Minister said the programme continues to open promising doors for the trainees.
Hon. D. Shane Gibson, Minister of Labour and National Insurance with responsibility for the Public Service ,along with National Training Agency Executive Director, Agatha Marcelle and NTA Chairman, Elizabeth Keju presented star awards and the Executive Award to outstanding trainees of NTA cohort two and three during their recent graduation!
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“I am advised that the National Training Agency was able to place 87 of you trainees in an internship programme. Many of you were referred by the Agency upon request from employers, and many of these employers expressed surprise and satisfaction at the positive attitude and quality performance of the trainees,” Minister Gibson revealed. “Additionally, I am advised that as a direct result of the National Training Agency providing these relevant skills training and internships, some 35 of you were able to secure meaningful full time or part time employment. I am further advised that since launching here in Grand Bahama, some 50 trainees have been employed.”
The Minister further encouraged the trainees to develop and enhance the skills they received and to consider ways to work those skills to build meaningful careers.
“This is only your first step. Do not consider the awards and certificate you receive tonight the be all and end all,” he said. “I urge you to take advantage of every opportunity the National Training Agency provides. As our economy grows and expands, a skilled and productive workforce will be needed to ensure that success is sustainable.”
Minister Gibson thanked the twelve internship providers in Grand Bahama who provided real-world job training for the trainees benefit and invested in their success.
These internship providers include Bahama Rock; Freeport Container Port, Freeport Harbor Company, Grand Bahama Airport Company Limited, Grand Bahama Port Authority Limited, Grand Bahama Shipyard Limited, Grad Lucayan, ZNS Radio Station, Quality Auto Services and Innovative Design.
At the end of a ceremony that saw each graduate receive a completion certificate, six participants also walked away with star awards. Sanjit Dasgupta, Indera Humes, Charnell Johnson, Chelsea Wong, Arjel Rahming and Stephanas Smith. The executive award went to Michelle Poitier and Colyn Symonette.
The National Training Agency will shortly register applicants for its fourth cycle of training, which is scheduled to begin early next year.
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