Thirty-one young adults have successfully completed Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited’s eighth Youth Link Apprenticeship programme.
At a graduation ceremony in the Savannah Suite at the Pegasus Hotel yesterday, Managing Director Republic Bank Guyana Limited Richard Sammy welcomed this year’s batch as the newest members of the alumni of 213 apprentices trained over an eight-year period. The training would have started on October 19, 2015 and closed on May 27 this year.
“I see a transformed group of young professionals, capable, confident and certified to join any professional organization,” Sammy said. “As you take the next step in your life’s journey, we encourage you to embrace the principles of the programme: professionalism, dedication and integrity; with these, you have the power to succeed.”
He explained that the Republic Bank Youth Link Apprenticeship program-me forms part of the company’s wider social investment initiative – the ‘Power to Make Difference’- focusing on national and regional community projects in order to change and improve lives, foster dreams, positively shape circumstances, hone potential and reward excellence
Each apprentice has been certified by the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) as having benefited from Republic Bank’s Competency Based Education (CBE) training.
Sammy noted that the banking operation level one certificate issued by CTVET can be used by apprentices when seeking employment for specific entry level jobs in the Caribbean. “I take this opportunity to acknowledge and extend appreciation to the CTVET team and our team of Republic Bank officers for their role and commitment in ensuring that the apprenticeship programme is certified,” he said.
But apart from formal training, the young adults were also exposed to a “rich balance of values training together with fun-filled and uplifting extra-curricular,” he added.
More specifically, there were exclusive initiatives geared towards the apprentices, including the Youth Link Care-a-Van programme, field trip to Baganara Island Resort and a special visit to the children at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre.
“Apprentices, graduates, the overall Youth Link experience is Republic Bank’s investment in you… in your future. Today you leave, enriched and empowered for a lifetime. I close with what I believe are aptly encouraging words made popular by St Ignatius of Loyola, ‘Go forth and set the world and fire,’” Sammy charged.
Meanwhile, several apprentices were presented with awards for special performance; these included best all-rounder, best business proposal, most disciplined apprentice, most improved apprentice, most effective presentation and most congenial apprentice.
Having copped the award for best all-rounder and most effective presentation, this year’s valedictorian Shamira Ramsuchit, lauded the company for helping her transition from her school life to that of a working environment.
“I no longer had to worry about what I was going to do next, Republic Bank gave me an opportunity they offered me the next challenge of my life so I accepted it… We were given hands on experience in the working environment and we developed our social skills,” she said.
“Republic Bank not only gave us the opportunity to make new friends and have fun, but a once in a lifetime opportunity to bridge the gap between high school and work. To gain firsthand experience in a reputable organization and also become certified in banking operations level one not only in Guyana but equipped to operate in the Caribbean,” the young woman added.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Education Officer (Development) Marcel Huston lauded Republic Bank’s commitment towards promoting and facilitating educational programmes like the Youth Link Apprenticeship programme for young adults.
“I say to you here graduates, never lose focus of your passion and purpose, for a man without them is like ship without a sail a sail without destination. Remember, your future is right before you, aim high and you will reach your goal,” he encouraged the graduates.
