Revani Satnarine and Orin Jacobs were yesterday awarded as the most outstanding apprentices when the Republic Bank Guyana Limited inaugural youth link apprenticeship programme held its graduation ceremony.

Twenty-three young men and women graduated.

Also receiving awards were Nyozi Fraser, Joseph Alli and Jenyne Agard. The best customer service award went to Fraser while Agard copped the prize for outstanding performance in attendance, punctuality and attitude. Alli was acknowledged for being the most congenial apprentice.

Valedictorians Satnarine and Jacobs, on behalf of their colleagues, expressed gratitude to Republic Bank for having afforded them the opportunity of acquiring life skills necessary for success in the world of work.

Jacobs said that the experience has taught him the virtues of patience and the delivery of excellent customer service along with the importance of being a great team player, one of the hallmarks that define the Republic Bank family. Satnarine pointed out that the experience exceeded her expectations as it was life changing. She said she now has a better understanding of the way the world of work operates and the manner in which individuals ought to be treated.

The seven-month stint saw young school leavers benefiting from skills training offered by the various braches of the financial institution in the areas of office procedures, personal development, banking operations, customer service and computing.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at the bank’s New Market Street Promenade Court, Managing Director Edwin Gooding said the youth leadership programme is the bank’s outreach for school-leavers which affords them the opportunity to experience the working world in a nurturing, safe and professional environment.

Gooding said that over the past seven months, the apprentices were exposed to the day-to-day banking processes and added that excellence in customer service, attendance and punctuality, a professional attitude and team orientation were the core values which the bank sought to instil in them.

He  deemed the programme a success adding that the youth link experience is an investment in their future development. Though the apprentices have performed creditably well, they all cannot be promised employment with the bank. However, now that the programme has ended, existing vacancies will be filled with nine of those who graduated.

Minister of Education Shaik Baksh who delivered the feature address said the programme is a commendable one and called on other banks and organisations of the private sector to follow suit.

Baksh said that consultations are underway to have a ‘skills for life’ training programme integrated in the school curriculum.

John Alves, Corporate Secretary and Senior Manager-Credit said Republic Bank is pleased to have played a part in the development of the young professionals as they transitioned from school to the work environment.

Meanwhile, in delivering the charge to the students, Director Yolande Foo told them that attitude, behaviour and professional image are key qualities to success in employment.

“Remember and embrace these components continually as you advance in the world of work.

However, all the so-called secrets of success will not work unless you do. Despite the complexity and demands of life, you can and should keep your aspirations high,” Foo told the students.

Also present at the graduation ceremony was Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir.