Fifteen youths who made up the 11th batch of apprentices in Republic Bank Guyana’s Youth Link Apprenticeship programme, graduated yesterday.
Abigail Gomes, Afrad Khan, Allisa Ramana, Dhanraj Singh, Harshinie Deonarine, Jhasoda Rupnarine, Kumarie Ramnarine, Lennox Hopkinson, Marlon Brune, Michael Persaud, Nickisha Clarke, Ryan Warisali, Tatyana Carter, Tia Patrina Joseph and Tomal Morris, all began the seven-month programme in November, 2018.
During the apprenticeship, the participants were trained in various areas of banking operations.
The trainees took part in various workshops, community outreach initiatives and even presented a business proposal. After their successful completion of the programme, they received the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) from the Caribbean Association of National Training Agencies (CANTA) in Banking Operations Level one.
At a graduation ceremony which was held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, acting Managing Director of Republic Bank, Denise Hobbs, congratulated the apprentices on their successful completion of the programme. Hobbs stated that the continuation of the programme displays the bank’s commitment to the development of the youth. “The Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme is yet another demonstration of the Bank’s commitment to the development of Guyana’s youth and forms part of our wider social investment initiative, the Power To Make A Difference,” Hobbs said, while adding that the initiative has a positive impact on the lives of youths and rewards excellence.
The acting director stated that the CVQ that the apprentices will receive can be used when seeking employment for specific jobs in Guyana and the Caribbean. She then expressed gratitude to the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, for their role in the apprenticeship programme. Hobbs encouraged the apprentices to continue to strive for success.
During the graduation exercise, Harshinie Deonarine was recognised as the valedictorian and also walked away with special awards for the Best Business Proposal and the Most Disciplined Apprentice. Tomal Morris was presented with the award for Most Improved Apprentice, while Tia Joseph was presented with the Most Congenial Apprentice award and Nickisha Clarke received the Most Effective Presentation award. Dhanraj Singh was also presented with an award for being the Most Disciplined Apprentice.
Deonarine, in her valedictorian address, stated that she was grateful for the experience gained over the seven-month period and reminisced on some of the most memorable moments during the training progamme, and the bonds formed with her colleagues. The young woman told the gathering that she was told of the programme by one of her teachers from St Joseph High School, who suggested that she sign up.
Subsequently, Secretary General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Patrice La Fleur, left the apprentices with questions as they stepped into the world of work officially. “I have some questions that I would like to leave with you that you should ponder as you go through life because life is difficult for all of us, especially young people,” La Fleur said. She urged the apprentices, “I need for you to ask yourself, who am I? what is my vision for my life?” La Fleur left the apprentices with those and more questions, as she encouraged them to keep moving forward and being positive and disciplined on the road to success.
