Many companies are unable to offer paid internships for job attachments, but scores of youth are being encouraged to take up the opportunities.
During the opening of the Barbados Youth Service’s (BYS) World of Work seminar, which was held at the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) Dalkeith, St Michael, Monday, over 50 teenagers were advised not to automatically ask for money, but appreciate the experiences they would gain.
On the sidelines of the opening event, BYS counsellor Kay Stoute said although organisations were willing to accept the youngsters, they couldn’t always compensate.
Stoute said if they could, the companies eventually hired or worked with those who passed through the programme.
During his opening address deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Terry Bascombe, said with current unemployment levels, it was important for students to capitalise on their options.
During the seminar, the students will cover a number of areas including National Insurance, labour laws, work ethics, sexual harassment, communication and customer service. They will then be attached to a number of public and private agencies. (TG)
