$6M annually for On-the-Job Training

Over $6 million will be spent annually by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education to train persons who can contribute to the country’s economic development via the On-the-Job Training Programme (OJT).

This was revealed by Acting Permanent Secretary, Myrna Thompson, yesterday as she addressed graduates at RBTT ROYTEC’s Introduction to Business and Computer Technology (IBCT) Programme  at the Cascadia Hotel and Conference Centre. Thompson stated that the Ministry was “in the process of transforming its Re-training Programme to allow the flexibility that is required to deal with the rapidly transforming labour scenario.” She revealed that the re-training programme will focus on retrenched workers in 15 different areas including heavy industry, building construction technology, light and heavy manufacturing skills, agro-industry, small animal husbandry and information technology. The programmes’ objectives include providing eligible individuals with skills training that would offer them access to viable and lucrative employment, and self-employment opportunities. Other objectives include facilitating improved self-respect, self-esteem and confidence among trainees, as well as building up a cadre of trained and efficient workers.

CEO and Managing Director of RBTT Bank Limited, Suresh Sookoo, advised the graduates to take charge of their career while continuously enhancing their educational achievements. President of RBTT/ ROYTEC, Bruce Aanensen, requested persons to devote “time, thought and action to managing themselves in the most effective way possible.” Aanensen stressed to the graduates that great importance should be placed on teamwork, whilst cautioning them to be more tolerant of others. Stating that “No one is born a leader,” he concluded that the decision to improve their skills, competencies and knowledge was a step towards “assuming the mantle of leadership in some value-adding sphere of endeavour.” In delivering the feature address, Marketing Manager and Film Buyer at Movietowne, Louanna Borde, also a  former graduate of the IBCT Programme, urged the graduates to seize the opportunity to set goals, as well as working towards accomplishing those goals. Enlightening the gathering with her own experience with the programme, Borde stated, “Success can be earned only by those who are willing to make sacrifices and by those who face challenges head on.” The award for Top Computer Student went to Sangeeta Ramdass, who also copped the Operation Enterprise Award. She was the Top Overall Student in this programme. Ramdass will attend a 10-day camp in the US titled “Operation Enterprise” as a scholarship.