Barbados govt. relaunches youth World of Work Training programme

Two-week programme to help young Barbadians develop critical soft skills, boost employability 

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS — Another cohort of young Barbadians are benefitting from the type of practical job training that will lend well to future employability as the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector has just this past Monday resumed its World of Work Training in support of its Job Start Plus Programme.

The programme targets youth between the ages of 16 and 24, equipping them with the soft skills needed to succeed as they pursue gainful employment.

According to a government statement announcing the relaunch of the initiative, the World of Work Training is being conducted online and will run for two weeks before eventually culminating in a special face-to-face ceremony on Friday, February 25.

At that time, Minister of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector Colin Jordan is expected to deliver remarks as well as personally present completion certificates to the young participants.

“The half-day sessions will focus attention on workforce preparation and personal development skills,” the statement noted.

“This will be done via topics such as goal setting, effective communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, anger management, resume writing and interview techniques and skills.”

Solving youth in poverty through training

While the government did not confirm the exact number of participants to be included in this round of the World of Work Training, it outlined that the first training, conducted in December 2019, provided some 60 young Barbadians with invaluable job training.

Since then, it noted, more than 170 of the nation’s youth have received training through the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector over the course of the pandemic.

“Job Start Plus is one aspect of the island’s National Youth Employment Programme,” the government’s statement read.

“It is designed for that cohort which is not in employment, education or training.

“As a public-private partnership, the programme is seeking employers associated with large and small businesses to provide guidance and work experience to young people that could lead to future employment opportunities and alleviate ‘youth in poverty.’”

With respect to the World of Work Training specifically, the statement added, “Participants will also be exposed to a career planning tool, which will assist them in identifying their particular interests.

“Additionally, career advice will be provided to participants on the development of their individual career plans.”

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