Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited on Friday welcomed the tenth batch of apprentices to its Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme 2017/2018.
Fourteen apprentices were chosen from schools all across the country, they are: Ann Maria Ashrafally, Christina Arjune, Dankumar Persaud, Danniella Narine, Denzil Blair, Nandranie Beepat, Neeta Changur, Nicholas Headly, Pilay Patrick Todd, Ryan Samuels, Sagemattie Jaisingh, Steven Gir, Troy Pollard and Whitney Giddings. They will be placed at the bank’s various locations, where they will receive on-the-job and classroom training during a seven-month period. They will be trained in various bank operations and learn and understand the needs of the less fortunate through the “Care-A-Van” aspect of the apprenticeship programme.
Upon completion of the programme, apprentices who are successful will receive the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) from the Caribbean Association of National Training Agencies (CANTA) through the Council for Technical & Vocational Training (CTVET). Apprentices will be eligible for jobs within the Caricom region with this qualification.
In his remarks, Managing Director of Republic Bank (Guyana), Richard Sammy stated that the programme was born of a desire to create successful societies by making a difference in the lives of the youth and bridging the gap between high school and work by equipping them with life skills. He informed the apprentices “You will receive essential tools, training, coaching and guidance on the practical and theoretical practices of banking and skills to help guide personal career choices from our certified trainers and colleagues.” He further stated that over the years, apprentices who successfully completed this programme have found employment within the bank while others have gone on to pursue other successful jobs.
Assistant Chief Education Officer – Primary, Ministry of Education Owen Pollard stated that he is proud that the Ministry has partnered with Republic Bank for this programme. He said that the use of technology and the rise of global competition for talent means that youths now step out into a world of work that has drastically changed. This means, he added, that there is need for changes in the techniques used in the labour markets in Guyana and the world at large.
In addressing the apprentices, he said, “Don’t be late or unnecessarily absent, a banker will tell you that time is money and every second lost is money lost. Punctuality speaks of character. It’s amazing that we in Guyana seldom have respect for time, I urge you to have respect for time, practice to be punctual.” He further urged the apprentices to take full advantage of this programme because the opportunity is hardly given for students to earn while they learn and students often leave school with their certificates but no marketable skill. Pollard said he hopes that other private sector companies will take a page out of Republic Bank’s book and contribute to the development of Guyana.
The training commenced on Monday at Republic Bank’s Learning and Talent Development Centre after which the apprentices will be placed at their assigned branch or department. Those apprentices who successfully complete this programme of the 2017/2018 batch will have a graduation ceremony where certificates and special prizes will be presented. These include a prize for the valedictorian, best entrepreneurship business proposal, best effective presentation and others.
