Press Statement

By

The Minister of Labour and Social Development

The Honourable Senator

Dion A. Foulkes and The Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture The Honourable Charles Maynard

On the

Launch

Of The

National Job Readiness

And

Training Programme

14th of July, 2011

Over the last four years the government has implemented a number of programmes designed to improve the lives of the Bahamian people. The National Training Programme, The National Prescription Drug Plan, and National Unemployment Benefit Programme have brought tremendous relief and benefits to Bahamians. This year we intend to continue to build on our advancements.

As the Prime Minister announced during the Budget Debate it is the government’s intention to prepare the Bahamian population on taking full advantage of the economic rebound. For this reason we have created an initiative that will prepare Bahamians to enter the job market.

The National Job Readiness & Training Programme has three major components, they are: Job Readiness – This component is primarily aimed at young unemployed Bahamians age 30 and under. They will have an opportunity to gain basic work force experience through work shops and job placement.

Job Training – This will give persons over the age of thirty the chance to enhance their existing skills or gain new skills through study and work placement.

General Job Placement – This component will allow unemployed Bahamians to work in designated industries such as but not limited to Tourism, Financial Services and the Industrial Trades.

These programmes are intended to prepare Bahamians for entrance into the Labour Market and to enhance existing skills by bringing together the business community and prospective employees.

The Government will subsidize the salary of all participants up to $210.00 per week.

Today, we are pleased to officially announce the beginning of the National Job Readiness and Training Programme. Bahamians wishing to participate can collect and fill out applications forms from Monday, 18th to Friday, 22nd July, 2011 between 9:30 am and 3:00 pm from the following locations in New Providence:

L.W Young Junior High School C.R. Walker Senior High E.P Roberts Primary School Anatol Rodgers High School C.V. Bethel Senior High H.O.Nash Junior High

In Grand Bahama:

Eight Mile Rock High School West End Primary School Jack Hayward High School High Rock Primary

The government wishes to ensure that all applicants receive service in a timely manner, therefore, applicants whose surnames begin with letters “A” through “F” should go to the registration centres on Monday, 18th of July. Those with surnames beginning with letters “G” through “L” will be registered on Tuesday, 19th of July. Surnames beginning with letters “M” to “R” on Wednesday, 20th July and surnames beginning with letters “S” to “Z” on Thursday, 21st July, 2011.

In the Family Islands, forms can be collected from District Administrator’s office beginning on Monday the 18th of July and must be returned by Friday the 22nd of July. Forms can also be downloaded from the government’s website.

www.bahamas.gov.bs starting on the 18th of July, 2011.

Application forms are to be returned to the centres from which they were collected accompanied by National Insurance Card; First four pages of the passport or birth certificate; Copies of academic certificates.

Employers who wish to take part in these programmes by hiring persons can register at job@bahamas.gov.bs.