The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture hosted the Spring 2023 graduates of its Job Ready Program to an awards luncheon in the Coral Reef Room at Pelican Bay Resort on Friday, May 26, 2023.

The program, which was established to address the issue of youth unemployment, has evolved into a comprehensive 10-week program, covering professional soft skills, skills training and job experience.

The Ministry’s primary goal is to equip the youth of our nation with the tools and skills set that will enable them to be placed and thrive in a work environment.

The Spring cohort began with a class of 30 and concluded with a close-out ceremony of 26 graduates, under the theme: “Preparation is the Key to Success.”  

While delivering her address, Leslie Dorsett-Lewis, acting director of Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning (CeLEARN) at the University of The Bahamas (North), commended the graduates for taking advantage of the Job Ready Program and reminded them that if they want something they never had before, they must be willing to do something they have never done before.

The graduates, who are now certified as BahamaHost service professionals, were also encouraged not to stop with the Ministry’s program, but to take advantage of every educational opportunity that comes their way, learn their strengths and weaknesses, build relationships and stay positive.

Youth Programs Officer Carla Brown Roker presided over the awards presentation and thanked the many partners who assisted in making the program a success this year.

Senator Kirk Russell and Youth Officer Chanda Roberts were also among the special guests in attendance.