A FORMALISED TRAINING PROGRAMME must be developed in all secondary schools to equip students with the skills needed for the world of work.
Making the call today, Minister of Labour Dr Esther Byer Suckoo said like employers in the private and public sectors, her Ministry was aware that many young people entering the world of work lacked the “soft and life skills” necessary for employment.
She said the Ministry of Labour was currently crafting a Human Resource Development Strategy as part of its efforts to create a demand-driven education and training system.
The strategy will culminate with certified career guidance and counselling programme formulated on the basis of the Level Three Occupational Standard developed by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council.
Speaking at the launch of the inaugural World of Work Showcase at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Byer-Suckoo suggested a world of work training programme in schools would expose students to the working environment through job shadowing, internships or apprenticeships.
Several students from secondary and tertiary institutions participated in the one-day showcase and workshops, organised by Regional Management Services Inc in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and supported by several organisations. (GC)