MORE than 40 residents of Clarendon South Eastern on Friday received HEART/NSTA Trust certifications at a career fair held at the Rocky Point Community Centre in the parish.

The career fair was hosted by Member of Parliament for Clarendon South Eastern, Pearnel Charles Jr in partnership with the HEART/NSTA Trust.

The residents received certification in two categories: the ILO Transition to Formality Project which is focused on training for fisherfolks and agro-processing; and skills proficiency in housekeeping.

Speaking during the ceremony, Charles Jr shared that, “This is a part of our efforts to see how we can answer the call of the citizens who want better for themselves. Some of the persons that I speak to are constantly asking for jobs and when you give them the job opportunity, when you give them the training opportunity, they turn their back and they walk away. So, I am very glad that we have some fishermen and women who are here, who are an example of those who want better and are willing to put in the work to get better.

“We can only do so much, but you have to want it for yourself,” the MP stressed while addressing trainees and students from Vere Technical High School, Denbigh High School, Bustamante High School, and Kemps Hill High School.

Noting that Prime Minister Andrew Holness recently announced during his contribution to the 2023/24 Budget Debate that all programmes up to Level 4 (associate degree) which are offered by HEART/NSTA Trust are now free of cost, Charles Jr said, “Anybody who wants to put in the effort to go to HEART and get the training that you need, you can do so now without any expense to you in terms of paying for any tuition or administrative fees.

The ceremony was also attended and supported by Minister of Education Fayval Williams who encouraged participants to make use of the opportunities presented before them.

“These career fairs are great; they are bringing information to your doorsteps. It helps you to see what is out there that you can take advantage of. I want to encourage you as you speak with the different entities that are here, especially with HEART, explore as deeply as you can everything that they have to offer,” Williams advised.

She stressed that, “TVET [technical and vocational education and training] is on equal footing with [traditional] academics so if you want to do welding, you want to do carpentry, you want to do electrical work, if that is your passion take it up, follow it. You will be successful.”

Meanwhile, deputy manager at the Ebony Park HEART Academy, Dr Sasha Shim-Hue further encouraged more Jamaicans to access the training offered by HEART.

“Where there is a skill, there is a way. So no matter what it is that you are doing now, skills open the gateway to great opportunities. Everything that we do is tied to a skill because skills pay the bills. I just want persons, whether young or old, to know that whatever your age or stage, HEART/NSTA Trust has a programme for you,” Dr Shim-Hue said.

The event was also supported by mayor of May Pen, Councillor Winston Maragh.

Several booths were also on display during the event, including the Department of Correctional Services; the Jamaica Constabulary Force; the Jamaica Fire Brigade; the Ministry of Health and Wellness; the Social Development Commission and agencies of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries including the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, the Jamaica 4H Clubs; among others.