Ready for work - Youths complete job-readiness workshop in SE St Andrew

Almost 40 residents of communities in South East St Andrew are now better prepared to enter the workforce, having successfully completed a three-day workshop aimed at getting them ready for the working world.

The free job-readiness workshop, which was held at the Sir Howard Cooke Centre in Nannyville Gardens, featured three days of seminars in financial planning, rÈsumÈ writing, interviewing skills and dress and deportment.

Participants were also given advice in communication skills and took part in 'Conversations for Greatness', a discussion session aimed at personal empowerment.

"We are introducing the youth to life skills to make them marketable and productive employees, and importantly, to give them the best opportunity at success in finding a job or establishing their own business," said Julian Robinson, member of parliament for South East St Andrew.

Robinson, who hosted the event in partnership with Youth Upliftment Through Employment (YUTE), Youth Opportunities Unlimited, the Joan Duncan Foundation, and the Jamaica National Foundation, said this was done to give the young people a chance.

"Many youths may have solid academic qualifications and the right attitude, but they just need those life skills that can make the difference in a job interview, or in preparing for the world of work. This workshop gave them those skills," added Robinson.

Over the three days, sessions were led by Joan Duncan Foundation facilitators Elaine Wint Leslie and Celia Ebanks. Other presenters included Rose Miller, Aneika Vassell of the JN Foundation and Sharlene Brooks of YUTE.