CLARENDON, Jamaica- Forty-four young people have successfully graduated from Project STAR’s job readiness programme, marking another milestone in the initiative’s efforts to equip community members with essential employment skills.

The latest cohort, which recently concluded in May Pen, Clarendon, is Project STAR’s largest training cohort to date.

Kerryann Buddoo-Waugh, the senior employment liaison for Project STAR, expressed her enthusiasm about the programme’s impact.
“Our employment programme has been amazing. As at last month, we have placed a total of 231 persons in employment,” she stated.

She highlighted the success of previous training sessions in Salt Spring in St James and Savanna-la-Mar in Westmoreland, noting that 70 per cent of the Salt Spring participants secured employment within a month after their training.

Beyond providing job training, the programme fosters a critical mindset shift among participants.

“A lot of community members believe they are not good enough for employment because of where they come from,” Buddoo-Waugh stated. “At the end of the job readiness training, they realise that jobs are available to them too; it’s just a matter of stepping up and seizing the opportunities.”

Despite its success, Project STAR continues to face challenges in securing employer participation.

“We would love more companies to come on board. There is still a stigma attached to some communities, but we encourage employers to give these individuals a chance,” Buddoo-Waugh urged.

One company that has embraced the initiative is Juici Patties. Representatives were on the ground at the job fair organised by Project STAR following the graduation recently. Kahaelia Gordon, head recruiter and training coordinator for the company, praised the calibre of candidates she interviewed.

“The first three candidates I met blew me away. They were confident, composed, and passionate. It’s not just about getting a job and earning money for them; they genuinely want to grow and build a future,” she said.

Gordon encouraged other employers to be open to recruiting from Project STAR.

“Some of the best talents come from people you wouldn’t expect. We must sometimes adjust our expectations and give opportunities to those who might not have traditional qualifications but possess immense potential.”

Jhenille Richards, lead talent recruiter for CB Group, echoed similar sentiments about the programme.

“In believing in the sustainability of our industries, we must utilise the talent we have in Jamaica rather than contributing to a brain drain. We have a lot of potential in our local candidates,” she said.

Richards emphasised the importance of hiring from local communities to reduce long commutes and improve workplace productivity.

“We have a facility in Freetown, Clarendon, close to where some of these candidates live. We see this as an opportunity to reach out and provide employment opportunities,” she argued.

Richards also highlighted the impressive quality of candidates.
“I’m quite impressed with the focus and goal-oriented nature of many of the female candidates. Their grooming, confidence, and ability to ask relevant questions about our company’s vision and mission show that Project STAR is doing an excellent job in preparing them for the workforce,” she stated.

Encouraging other employers to support the initiative, Richards said, “Project STAR has created and executed a strong curriculum. Employers should trust their process and the candidates they produce. I’ve already identified a few
candidates we’d love to welcome into the CB Group family.”

Among the graduates, one participant, Alicia Brown, shared how the programme transformed her outlook on employment.

“Before this training, I doubted myself a lot. I didn’t think I could get a job because of where I’m from. But Project STAR helped build my confidence and showed me that I have valuable skills. Now, I’m ready to take on any opportunity that comes my way,” she stated.

Looking ahead, Buddoo-Waugh envisions a future where more programme graduates secure sustainable employment, enabling them to build better lives for themselves and their families.
“We want to see them own homes, build their futures, and create better opportunities for their children,” she stressed.