Republic Bank in a graduation ceremony on Monday held in the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel presented certificates to 21 young people who were a part of the company’s Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme 2009/2010.
Congratulating the graduates whose ages ranged between 16-19, Managing Director of Republic Bank John Alves wished them the best in the future and told them he trusted that they would use the experience as a “stepping stone to a lifetime of achievement, service and success in your future endeavours as you continue to strive for excellence”.
The objective of the programme which started in October of last year, Alves added, was to “equip the apprentices with the requisite level of awareness, knowledge, skills and etiquette to propel their career in a positive direction”.
The Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme is an integral part of Republic Bank’s ‘Power to make a difference’ initiative. The bank provides high school graduates with experience in the working world and the programme caters to their personal and professional development.
This is the second batch of apprentices to graduate from the programme.
Meanwhile, Labour Minister Manzoor Nadir commended the bank for its initiative and called for similar initiatives by other companies in the private sector.
Nadir said that in a few days the Board of Industrial Training will mark its 100th anniversary pointing out that it was set up all those years ago to provide young people who were weak academically with the skills to be a part of the work force.
Nadir also pointed out that today the private sector believes that the state must prepare young people with the skills for work, but stated that this was not so.
He told the graduates that there are limitless opportunities awaiting them, warned of the many challenges they will face and urged them to remain focused.
He added that with a positive attitude and determination they will succeed.
The Youth Link Programme was first introduced to Guyana in 2008. The programme is open to secondary school graduates from the business studies stream to improve their career options. Principals from schools in Georgetown, Linden, Berbice and Anna Regina nominate students for the programme.
During the seven-month programme apprentices were attached to the various Republic Bank branches or a specialist unit where they are exposed to various courses in office procedures, personal development, banking operations, customer service and computing.
Also included in the programme is a community outreach activity and field trips to Bagnara, Fort Island and Bartica.
Meanwhile, Steve Joseph, the valedictorian of the programme, who was attached to the Camp Street branch, was presented with awards for his achievement.
Speaking on behalf of this year’s batch, Joseph stated that the apprenticeship programme played a vital role in their development and he applauded Republic Bank.
He then encouraged his fellow graduates to remember what they have learnt adding that they will all contribute fabulously to the future.
