KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaicans are welcoming the removal of tuition and administrative fees for HEART/NSTA Trust programmes up to level four.

The decision, which is effective April 1, will allow for access to vocational training for all persons, regardless of their economic status.

Waiving the fees is in keeping with the Government’s mandate to increase the provision of trained labour for industry.

In welcoming the announcement, 25-year-old chef, Javann Riley, said young people will get a chance to improve their circumstances.

Javann, who received certification through the Trust five years ago, commended the Government for “looking [at] the institution as a platform that can build the country financially and skilfully”.

“I remember when I was going to HEART/NSTA and it was really difficult coming from the inner city, to really get the resources needed for the Food and Beverage in Tourism course, which carries heavy tuition fees,” he said.

“So, I am very happy for the next generation that is going to take the same path that I had. They will have the opportunity to go free, and can save that money for their associate degrees,” he added.

The decision to remove the fees was announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness during his contribution to the 2023/24 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives.

READ: HEART Trust to remove fees from all programmes up to Level 4 – Holness

Thirty-year-old director of Islandboi Outdoor Adventures, Richard Poppings, also welcomed the move, stating that it was a “form of hope to our young generation”.

“It’s a very good opportunity, especially for the young persons who are leaving school. They can have some form of trade at hand because not everyone is academically skilled,” he said.

Meanwhile, several other benefits were announced by Holness, including an increase in the minimum wage from $9,000 to $13,000 per 40-hour work week, effective June 1.

READ: 44% hike in minimum wage Holness announces increase in NIS pension

As it relates to industrial security guards, the minimum wage will increase from $10,500 to $14,000 per week. This will also take effect on June 1, 2023.

Also, effective July 1, the National Housing Trust (NHT) loan limit for a single applicant will move from $6.5 million to $7.5 million, an increase of 15 per cent.

READ: PM announces increase in NHT loan limits

Founder of Pop the Question JA, Renard Anderson, said he welcomed these benefits while adding he was impressed that the country has its “first trillion-dollar budget”.

“From extending the amount of money we can get from NHT [and removing] the [fees] from the HEART/NSTA Trust, improving minimum wage [and] creating a fund for TV series and film production… to me, it seems like a great feat, and I can’t wait to see how it unveils to the public,” he said.

-JIS