236 youths acquire ‘marketable’ skills through the Government's Y.E.S.T programme.

A batch of 236 youths from various parts of the country graduated on Friday from the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training Programme (YEST) after acquiring skills in several areas that would ensure they are marketable.

The graduation exercise which was held at the Kuru Kuru Training Centre, a resident facility along the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, was attended by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Frank Anthony and officials from the ministry, as well as other partners of the programme.

Minister Anthony in his feature address congratulated the students for taking advantage of an initiative which will help them to improve themselves as well as those in their community.

The students who graduated came to learn practical skills which will help them acquire a job in their community. An additional incentive was offered to those pursuing motor mechanic studies as they were taught to drive which helps in their acquisition of a driver’s licence.

This, Anthony said, is another skill set that individuals can use to seek employment. To this end, monies were allocated to procure a vehicle so that every student from the next batch will be taught to drive and conduct their practical examination. The aim of this programme, Anthony noted, is to ensure that every student who graduates is rounded so emphasis will be placed on not only their particular skill area but others where they can experience development. In doing this they can work towards the transformation of their communities.

Meanwhile, the curriculum was expanded to include sewing, drama and garment construction and plans are underway to include refrigeration and air-conditioning, computer studies and technician courses and the use of the internet.