KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Youth Service (NYS) Summer Employment Programme (NSEP) has engaged secondary and tertiary students in work experience during the months of July and August this year. 

The programme will provide an avenue for students to understand and appreciate the concept of volunteering as well as a chance to appreciate their civic responsibilities through volunteerism and work experience.

The programme will also seek to enrich their experiences at the work sites and aid in their transition from school to work. 

This year, in compliance with Government legislation and policies as it relates to the operation of the NYS, 15 and 16-year-olds were exempted from the Summer Programme. The NYS processed applications for students in the 17 to 24 age group, as specified by the NYS Act of 1999.

Maureen Webber, Board Chair for the NYS, said that through the Summer Programme, 3,750 secondary and tertiary students including persons with disabilities are contributing to the development of Jamaica through volunteerism/work experience in public and private sector entities. At the completion of the August placements the NYS will produce reports on the impact of the programme.

After the interview process, successful candidates were randomly selected to participate in the work experience programme. 

Application does not guarantee an automatic selection, as there are more applicants than places. This year, there were about 6,000 applicants within the specified age range and the NYS budget allows for stipend payments for fewer than 4,000 placements.