Approximately 20,000 students between the ages of 16-20 are being targeted to enroll for the High School Immersion Bootcamp, the latest component of the Global Service Sector (GSS) project which seeks to train and certify members of the local labour force to make them work ready.

As the need for greater digital readiness increases globally, the project’s main aim is to strengthen the skills development framework within the expansive global services sector which comprises business, knowledge and information technology process outsourcing firms as it also attract investments and increase exports for Jamaica. The five-year educational readiness initiative, which is expected to end next year, is funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

“Along with our partners we are basically working together to strengthen the pipeline of talent that supports and allows the industry to be responsive globally, as well as to increase its competitive edge against other nearshoring destinations,” commented Marjorie Straw, programme director of the GSS project, while giving details about the upcoming plans recently during a JIS think tank.

She said the High School Immersion programme, which was conceptualised to help people understand the industry and navigate the global services industry better, not only provides enhanced job readiness but also allow students the opportunity to connect and interact with experts and global leaders across various industries. The free training programme is scheduled to begin July 11 and is to run throughout August under the theme: ‘YES (Youth Empowered Skills) to Careers Unlocked’.

Affirming the programme’s value proposition, Straw said it not only qualifies individuals for available jobs but also exposes global players to the pool of talent available locally. She said that a digital skills component, which has been added, is seen as a first of its kind in the Caribbean.

“If you do not have a predictable pipeline of talent then you cannot promote your sector for growth or contribute effectively to the economy. What we are doing through just one of our programmes is going to equip young people, particularly those at the secondary school level, to understand the industry and the importance of up skilling and reskilling and to take the first step in that direction to being ready to work in the industry,” Straw stated. Led by support from the Global Services Association of Jamaica (GSAJ), Jamaica Promotions Corporation (Jampro), HEART Trust/NSTA and the Ministry of Education, the programme is being implemented through a partnership between the GSS Project and educational support entity, One-on-One Services.

“One-on-One as a company is always excited about transferring knowledge to people as we see this as a major source of upliftment and in breaking down barriers, so we are excited about this program. We’re focusing on careers not only in areas such as business and accounting but those next generational ones such as IT and industrial technology, for example engineering. With this programme we are arming students with the digital skills needed to make that big impact,” stated chief executive officer (CEO) of One-on-One Educational Services, Ricardo Allen.

The programme, which is to feature intense training bootcamps with global experts from companies such as PwC, JPS and Microsoft, will likewise expose students to coding, artificial intelligence, gamification, resume building workshops, networking, job tours and opportunities for internship.

“Through this curriculum, we aim to prepare students for the working world, so, we are talking about four weeks of intense online classes, case studies and having a whole lot of fun doing that; but certainly, ensuring that at the end of it, our students can get certified through HEART/NSTA Trust,” Allen said.

Interested persons within the age range are being urged to register at http://gss.onexl.co. Classes will be delivered virtually, both live and pre-recorded.