DIRECTOR of Community Services at the National Youth Service (NYS), Nickeasha Lindsay, says the Graduate Work Experience Programme (GWEP) has been successful in helping to provide work experience for young people.

“It has helped young persons to garner valuable work experience, technical and employability skills, create a professional network as well as build their confidence that can aid in their future marketability,” said Lindsay.

Since the programme’s establishment in early 2014, which was primarily designed to help young people who struggle to enter the labour market, more than 600 persons have benefitted from placements in accounting, administration, social work, nursing and mass communication.

Over a period of six months, the participants, usually between 17 and 24 years old, would have gained technical experience and employability in their area of study.

Last month, at least 20 participants with mild intellectual disabilities gradauted from an NYS internship programme designed specifically for them.

“They would have been able to apply the theories they learnt in school to practical areas in the work world,” Lindsay pointed out.

Upon completion of the GWEP internship, the young participants would have garnered enough work experience to maximise their chances of finding permanent employment. They would have also increased confidence and an appreciation for the world of work.

— JIS