Youth gathered at the Barbados Youth Service’s five day World of Work Seminar this week will be exposed to some critical information, aimed at grooming them to function effectively in the workplace.
The World of Work Seminar which got underway as of yesterday at the headquarters of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) in Dalkeith, St. Michael, will run until Friday of this week and youth participants will be exposed to a number of work related topics. Those who are successful in completing the seminar and who excel in key areas, will also be presented with job attachment opportunities, via the BYS programme.
Counsellor Kay Stoute, in giving the seminar outline and objectives noted, “Basically this seminar is to give you information to help you in the world of work, whether it be next week or for those CSEC students who will be going on job attachment later in the year”.
Some of the objectives of the seminar meanwhile are, to provide participants with valuable information to ensure greater awareness of job expectations in the working environment; to offer viable options in terms of opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and further training; to provide tools needed to enhance the soft skills necessary for participants to function in the world of work and to sensitise participants about workers’ rights, responsibilities and procedures in the workplace.
The overall theme for the seminar is, “Working Together Today, Towards a Productive Tomorrow”, but Stoute indicated that each day will also focus on a subtheme, as the youth are taken through their paces by various facilitators.
The first day focused on “Gaining The Edge” and consisted of sessions focusing on both trainee as well as employer expectations, labour legislation and NIS benefits.
Day two will carry the subtheme, “Success Through Synergy”, with emphasis on effective communication, customer service, professional grooming and attire for the world of work.
Day three will focus on “Igniting Team Spirit” and participants will take a look at work ethics and team building, resolving conflict in the workplace and undergo group work and team activities.
Under the subtheme, “In It To Win It”, day four will explore the topic of entrepreneurship and how to start a business and there and there will be a motivational talk by Corey Lane, Manager of the Nature Fun Ranch, as well as a panel discussion by participants of the Youth Ministry’s YES Programme.
Day Five will be themed “Partners in Progress” and will introduce participants to gender relations in the workplace and sexual harassment matters. Focus will also be placed on exploring the role of the trade unions. Job attachment allocations will be made on this day as well as the presentation of awards, for those who stand out in various areas. (RSM)