THE BARBADOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE'S (BCC) Industry Services Unit (ISU) will be hosting a youth development workshop in information technology and life skills from July 7 to 18.

Acting director of the unit, Jacqueline Austin, said some of the youth were challenged in the areas of effective communication and were lacking in self-esteem, assertiveness and quality customer service.

To this end, the unit is partnering with Applied Performance Solutions, Inc. and the Human Resources Management Association of Barbados (HRMAB) to host the essential workshop, which will be opened by Senator Kerryann Ifill.

Austin said youth who are preparing for the workforce are expected to benefit tremendously when the workshop kicks off at HRMAB headquarters and the unit's Harbour Industrial Park, St Michael location.

Not prepared for key areas

"Some youth and teenagers are not prepared for the key areas that drive the mechanism of business. Because they are the hi-tech generation, we cannot assume that they are ready for the corporate environment. For example, they are using Internet chat language in official business correspondence. We need to address those deficiencies and to ensure that they know proper business etiquette," she said.

The participants will be exposed to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Internet research. In addition, there will be motivational sessions to assist the youth in the areas of self-esteem and transition from school into higher education and the world of work.

Austin also said that the level of training the participants will receive is invaluable as they can include it in their résumé to show prospective employers that they were exposed to some of the key elements required to function within an organisation.

Austin said that at the end of the two-week workshop the participants should have a greater level of self-awareness and develop the capacity and potential to make choices that impact their lives in a positive way. (PR)