– in second youth link programme
Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited yesterday launched its second annual Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme, which is one of its community outreach initiatives aimed at youth development.
The programme was launched under the theme ‘Dedication, Professionalism and Integrity’ at Republic Bank’s Promenade Court, New Market Street, office in Georgetown. This year 23 youths will be participating in the programme which will last for seven months.
Patricia Gittens, UNICEF Child Protection Officer, during her feature address encouraged the apprentices to make the best of the opportunity. The programme, she said, will educate and empower them and prepare them take charge in the social, economic and political environment throughout the countries of the hemisphere.
Meanwhile, she also stressed the importance of the role adults played in ensuring that the rights of children were protected. Poverty and lack of education, she said, were some of the factors stifling children worldwide and the entire community, including government, needed to play a part in ensuring that children are given opportunities that will teach them positive attitudes, traditions and customs.
John Alves, the bank’s General Manager, Credit, yesterday welcomed the apprentices and encouraged them to make the best of the training and exposure they will have at Republic Bank over the next months.
The programme, Alves said, “is intended to promote dedication, professionalism and integrity, offering the tools and skills necessary to succeed in the business world. And, it is so designed to afford this group of our nation’s young adults, the opportunity to experience the adult world of work in a secure, nurturing, professional and progressive environment.”
The Youth Link apprentices, Alves noted, will be prepared to enter the workforce equipped with the vital level of awareness, knowledge, skills and etiquette needed to propel their careers in a positive direction.
Dr Paloma Mohamed, UG Lecturer and well-known youth activist, reminded students that decades ago, during her youth, such opportunities were not available to young people and they should make the best of it. She encouraged apprentices to jump into the rushing river that is the world and be the best they could.
Several persons, Mohammed said, provided guidance for her during her younger years. The guidance being provided by the Republic Bank Youth Link Programme should be taken seriously and to heart as it was the first steps the apprentices will take towards achieving their life’s goals. “Be a sponge,” Mohamed told the 23 young people, “and soak up all that this programme will teach you!”
The Republic Bank Apprentice Programme commenced over two decades ago in Trinidad and Tobago. It was created to tackle the global challenge of “ill-prepared entry level employees”. It seeks to prepare school leavers to become successful model employees able to make themselves an asset of any organization.
In June, Revani Satnarine and Orin Jacobs were awarded as the most outstanding apprentices when the local bank’s first graduation ceremony was held. 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.
