Cherish skills and values learnt: Nevis Youth Services Coordinator tells 2012 Summer Job Attachment Programme interns
Mrs Pemberton was at the time delivering an overview of the Summer Programme held in collaboration with HOPE Nevis Inc., at a ceremony which brought the 2012 course to a close at the Red Cross conference room on August 24, 2012.
Youth Services Coordinator described this year’s programme as exceptional and noted it was the first time in its nine year history that students from the Special Education Unit had the chance to participate.
“For the first time in the Programme’s history, students from the Special Education Unit were given an opportunity to experience the six week internship. Three students applied and were interviewed with the placement of two students…
“I would like to make special mention of the Nevis Craft House and Main Street Supermarket who graciously accepted our request to employ…,” she said.
The Summer Job Attachment Programme, an initiative of the Social Services Department’s Youth Affairs Division within the Ministry of Social Development commenced in 2003. It has since offered secondary school students the opportunity to experience the world of work through a six-week internship.
“Through this programme, students with limited or no employment experience are introduced to a variety of career opportunities, where they develop practical work skills, professional ethics and learn more about seeking and retaining employment.
“The internship allows students to benefit from a professional mentorship within the [participating] organisation they are placed. This mentorship significantly shapes the work values the future employee develops,” Mrs. Pemberton explained.
According to the Youth Services Coordinator, preparations for the 9th Annual Summer Job Attachment Programme began in April 2012 with an action plan to solicit over 60 businesses on Nevis.
The application process for students primarily of the 5th and 6th Forms in the secondary Schools started in May and by the end of that process a total of 75 students had applied to the programme, of which 15 had applied for jobs within the Health Services Sector.
“Interviews were held from June 19th to 21st with the successful selection of 68 students. A two-day training workshop followed on June 27th and 28th. This workshop was held in collaboration with HOPE Nevis Inc.
“On the first day, Ms. Jaedee Caines facilitated the session on Public Speaking, while Mrs. Tresia Daniel presented on the topic “Workplace Ethics and Professionalism”. “Communication in the Workplace” was facilitated by Ms. Shavane Joseph followed by the Labour Department’s presentation on “Rights and Responsibilities of an Employee,” she said.
In addition, an educational session on Resume Writing was presented on the second day of training by Ms. Sandra Maynard and at the end of the workshop a final selection of interns was made.
For this year’s job placements, Mrs. Pemberton noted that along with her staff at the Youth Division namely Ms. Vieda Mills and Ms. Shoya Lawrence, they were able to secure job placements for 45 interns at 32 businesses and government offices, an increase of two new employees over that of 2011 and ten interns were assigned to the Health Services Programme at the Alexandra Hospital.