The Springer Memorial School Choir as they delivered two renditions, under the guidance of music teacher David Jackman.
Students from secondary schools were some of the participants gathered at the 2017 World of Work Showcase.
More job attachment and internship programmes are needed to better prepare youth for the world of work and to ensure that they have the necessary “soft skills”, to be effective on the job.
Minister of Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development, Senator Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo, expressed the above sentiments, as she called on business owners and human resource managers in Barbados, to present youth with more job attachment and internship opportunities. The call came as she delivered remarks during the “2017 World of Work Showcase” held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre on Wednesday, which was hosted by Regional Management Services Inc.
“For some time now, employers in both the public and private sectors have expressed concern about the lack of readiness of new [entrants] in the workplace and the absence of critical soft skills, such as problem solving, diplomacy and effective communication” Byer Suckoo observed.
“So I therefore use this opportunity to once again encourage business owners and human resource managers to create new, or to enhance existing programmes, to support job attachment and internships, providing valuable hands-on experience to help build the core competencies of our young people,” the Labour Minister commented, while publicly thanking those employers who currently grant such opportunities.
She meanwhile urged employers to respond to calls from the Barbados Vocational Training Board (BVTB) which falls under her Ministry, to engage in its Apprenticeship Scheme, which has led to the success of many young people over the years and has the potential to further enhance productivity and competitiveness. Pointing out that there are several entities training young people in Barbados, some of which fall under the Ministry of Youth, the Minister however maintained that the students need to enter into job attachment programmes, so that they can put into practice what they learn in the classroom.
The Labour Minister meanwhile acknowledged the contribution being made by Regional Management Services Inc. in continuing to organise the World of Work Showcase and for its “commitment and selflessness” in providing such opportunities for the development of youth across the island. Noting that such a task cannot be effectively accomplished without partnerships, she commended those organisations who responded to the invitation, to participate in this year’s event.
“The need for Barbados to have a more productive workforce is constantly being emphasised… and a forum like this Showcase provides young people with the necessary tools and materials that would make the transition into the world of work less challenging, allowing them to be more productive,” the Minister said, as she fully endorsed the initiative and declared the 2017 World of Work Showcase officially open.