$5M for skills training programme
GOVERNMENT plans to pump a further five million dollars into training programmes extended to the 41 constituencies throughout the country. This was revealed at the PNM’s first General Council meeting for the year, which was held yesterday at the party’s San Fernando (East) constituency office on Coffee Street. PNM vice chairman John Donaldson said the programmes, some of which are already on stream, will be under the purview of the Ministries of Community Development and Social Development. Programmes already on stream are the advanced level in the GAP programme and traditional skills for women which include masonry, carpentry, plumbing and general construction. The non-traditional-skills programme will run for a nine-month period and will be open for women 25 years and over. Community, Culture and Gender Affairs Minister Joan Yuille-Williams said these programmes will facilitate opening up of small businesses throughout the communities. "At the end of these programmes, which include skill-based training, participants should be able to get into their own businesses." Yuille-Williams said she expects around 13,000 persons to register for the training programmes. With respect to funding, Yuille-Williams said $5 million would be used from within her Ministry’s Budget allocation. "We are well-funded for the programmes, which are there open for everyone — no matter what age. We are doing this so people can get an opportunity to enhance their skills or learn new skills." Donaldson also said political leader Patrick Manning, who addressed the council members yesterday, reassured that special measures would be implemented to ensure full participation in the programmes.
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"$5M for skills training programme"