IN an increasingly competitive job market, it’s never too early to begin thinking about your career. But it is important to choose one that is both fulfilling and realistic.

Those were two of the values members of the CB Group, in partnership with Junior Achievement Jamaica (JAJ), imparted to ninth graders at Convent of Mercy Academy (Alpha) under the JA Careers with a Purpose programme. The one-day progarmme was delivered just after Teachers’ Day.

The staffers shared their personal career experiences and spoke to the girls about the importance of positive values, life maxims, and ethical decision-making within the context of career and life decisions. Seven volunteer-led sessions were conducted to enhance students’ learning with concepts and skills including: career choices; job and life roles; the world of work; analysing information; building self-confidence; categorising data; oral and written communication; public speaking; and working in groups.

This is CB Group’s third year working with Junior Achievement at Alpha, and the Group looks forward to the continued collaboration with JAJ in delivering one-day programmes, CB said.

“While there is great need everywhere, the continuation of our volunteering at Alpha means the impact is concentrated and multiplied. We hope that by sharing our experiences with others, we can inspire other organisations to support initiatives like this. We encourage anyone who has the capacity to contact Junior Achievement to see how you can get involved and enrich your staff experience and the students’ lives,” said Alicia Bogues, Brand Manager, CB Group, CB Chicken and Bad Dawg Sausages.

Yanique Taylor, Process Manager at Junior Achievement Jamaica noted: “We are so happy CB Group has joined us for a third year. They continue to be a great partner for our programme, and a real blessing for the students that participate at Alpha.”

Last year CB Group helped deliver Junior Achievement’s JA Be Entrepreneurial programme, and the previous year the Group engaged students on the Global Marketplace.

JA in a Day is a unique focus programme, which has been implemented to increase Junior Achievement’s hands-on programming for youth in Jamaica. With the ongoing support of educators and positive adult role models who volunteer their time, Junior Achievement’s economic education programmes provide experiences that empower young people to own their future economic success.

The 7-session course is recommended for students in grades 9-12.