KINGSTON, Jamaica – On November 29, 18-year-old Justin McCarthy will be among the cohort of 449 youth to complete the first year of the Learning and Investment for Transformation (LIFT) Programme.

LIFT is a $2-billion Government of Jamaica initiative, aimed at bolstering the social mobility of 2,500 youth over a five-year period.

It targets fifth and sixth form graduates and provides sustainable avenues for education, employment and assimilation into society.

A past student of Cumberland High in St Catherine, Justin heard about the programme through his work experience coordinator at school.

His desire to gain employability skills and explore potential career paths was the main reason he applied for the LIFT Programme.

Justin told JIS News that after completing orientation and the eight-week employment transition training, he was placed at the HEART/NSTA Trust Portmore Parish Office in St. Catherine last November for one year of on-the-job training.

He works with the Job Placement Officer, assisting with traineeship programmes like the School Leavers’ Training Opportunities Programme.

Justin’s daily tasks include creating databases and spreadsheets as well as drafting letters and responding to clients’ needs.

“I graduated high school with no idea of what I wanted to do. Since working at the parish office, I have chosen a suitable career path, which is to be a computer technician,” he says.

The biggest lesson he has learnt in the LIFT Programme is the importance of accountability.

LIFT Programme

“I remember I made an error and I did not know how to go to my supervisor and say it. The letter was sent off to the regional director and when it came back, I saw the error and I said, ‘oh my God, I should’ve said something’. It was too late, but I took accountability, said that I made an error and I wanted to correct it,” Justin shares.

Each month, $15,000 is reserved from the salary of participants as compulsory savings and that sum will be paid out on completion.

Justin tells JIS News that the mandatory saving is an amazing component of the programme, pointing out that he intends to put his money towards financing his tertiary education.

During the programme, Justin opened a bank account and said that he has two driving lessons to complete before sitting the exam to acquire a driver’s licence.

“So far, I really enjoy the lessons. Sometimes it is scary, because you have the taxi drivers causing a hard time; but other than that, it is amazing… I like driving,” he says.

Justin considers himself an introvert and credits the LIFT Programme for helping him to become more outspoken.

“During the eight weeks of training, we had to do a lot of skills and presentations, and then when I was placed, I had to do a lot of talking to customers, because sometimes I work at the front desk. So LIFT has helped me to effectively communicate,” he said.

Justin gave a full score to the HEART/NSTA Trust for delivering on the objectives of the LIFT Programme.

“I was able to find a suitable career path, I gained some employability skills and I now have a feeling of what the work world is like,” he says, adding that his employer has already agreed to extend his contract.

To prospective LIFT applicants, he advises: “don’t walk, run.”

–        JIS