MORE than half of the graduates from the National Training Agency have found full time employment in the private and government sector, according to NTA Director Agatha Marcelle.

Ms. Marcelle told The Tribune the institute is now moving into its second phase of training, expanding beyond entry-level positions into managerial and supervisory jobs.

So far, more than 2,000 people have completed the programme and Ms. Marcelle said she is pleased that they have been able to assist their graduates with permanent full-time jobs.

“We try to keep current and develop programmes that best suit the needs of the economy and in this new session we are going to run three new programmes: domestic housekeeping, after school care and custodial teacher’s aids. We have also gone back to office procedures which has been very successful for us,” she said.

“As a result of the graduates being prepared for work, we are doing an exceptional job placing them. More than half of the graduates were able to get entry-level jobs. For example, 10 of them were hired at Bimini Bay, (some at) Diamonds International and Sandals also took a few of the graduates. So the programme is showing results. The students leave with a different mindset than when they came and the employers are very pleased.”

The NTA, which was designed to be a competency-based training and job placement system for persons between the ages of 16-26, was launched in mid-2013.

Ms. Marcelle explained that local as well as international partners are involved with its training programmes, which last 14 weeks; four weeks of soft skills training and 10 weeks of practical skills training with some going on to unpaid internships. The new session begins next month.

“We already have 150 walk in registrants and we are taking as many as we can register. There is no cost for this programme – it is free. Next week we will begin focused registration. We are getting ready to do the second phase of job preparation training for supervisory and management competency skills. That programme will be a paid programme, but the beauty is not only do you do your tutorials but you are also assessed in the work place and you get to put your skills into action before you gain your certification.”

Registration will take place at the NTA’s Gladstone Road office everyday from 9am to 5pm.

By SANCHESKA BROWN | Tribune Staff Reporter

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