Minister Morris-Julian says apprenticeship programme will address labour shortage in Trinidad’s manufacturing sector
PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO — More than 100 young Trinbagonians are officially being trained to accept manufacturing jobs through a new programme beginning just this month.
Under the Manufacturing Apprenticeship Programme, 100 of the nation’s youth will spend the next three years training to enter the industry, where they will be able to secure gainful employment.
Manufacturing apprentices have begun the three-year programme and will receive a monthly stipend.
According to the government, “In June, over 100 apprentices will be inducted into the Manufacturing Apprenticeship Programme and receive a monthly paid stipend of $3,000.”
It added, “This partnership between the MIC Institute of Technology, the Ministry of Trade, the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association and the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service provides trainees with the opportunity to gain the skills needed to bolster the non-energy sector.”
Acting Minister of Education Lisa Morris-Julian lauded the long-term potential of the programme to secure much-needed jobs in Trinidad’s manufacturing industry.
She added that it is especially timely as “once leveraged effectively, it will address the shortage of skills labour need in this sector”.
Better jobs for Trinidadians through skills training
The Manufacturing Apprenticeship Programme is expected to fill manufacturing jobs in Trinidad in the next three years.
Trinidad’s efforts to secure better jobs for its citizens has been noted, particularly with the success of its On-The-Job Training Programme (OJT).
Through that programme, an estimated 300 residents between the ages of 17 and 35 are placed directly with companies to receive training that will allow them to secure jobs.
In many instances, those who complete the OJT programme end up employed for the very same company they trained with.
But in terms of continuous learning leading to job prospects, Minister of Trade and Industry Paula Gopee-Scoon said the new manufacturing apprenticeship programme is the “revolution” needed to “prepare for the diversification…that will allow this country’s economy to prosper”.
More manufacturing jobs for Trinidad
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has lauded the apprenticeship programme.
The Manufacturing Apprenticeship Programme is expected to lead directly to jobs for this cohort of 100 young individuals, as well as for any future cohorts.
Providing further details, the government noted, “The three-year programme, which received Cabinet approval earlier this year, will allow individuals 17 to 25 years old the opportunity to be prepared for employment within the manufacturing sector.”
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley lauded the programme, pledging his government’s commitment to investing in the kind of development that will bridge the gap between Trinidadians and secure jobs.
“Investing in our people is critical,” he said.
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