NASSAU, Bahamas -- The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and countries throughout the region are monitoring the National Training Programme to see if it should become a model for countries who hope to combine social with labour development.
Minister of State for Labour and Social Development the Hon. Loretta Butler-Turner said at the opening of the programme at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs on Monday, September 14, 2009, that the success of the venture does not rest upon the government, social partners or the training institutes.
?It rests upon each of you,? she said. ?You will have to work hard and study. You will be required to give up some leisure activities; but in the long run it will be worth it.?
The Government introduced the National Training Programme to help displaced workers learn new trades such as masonry, basic carpentry, landscaping, heavy equipment operating, accounting, diesel mechanics, nail artistry and design, facial care and technology, computer applications, and straw and shell craft.
The training will take place at The College of The Bahamas and The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute.
The programme was created in conjunction and consultation with the Bahamas Christian Council, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce, the Bahamas Employers Confederation and trade unions.
Mrs. Butler-Turner said the Government wants to give a ?hand-up? to persons who are ?progressive thinkers? and who wish to take charge of their future.
?This National Training Programme seeks to give each of the selected participants new or additional skills to regain employment or become entrepreneurs,? she said.
Mrs. Butler-Turner said that depending on the success of failure of the initiative?s first run, the Government will decide if ?large scale? national training programme should become permanent.
Mrs. Butler-Turner said 529 persons were selected for the programme in New Providence and 244 from Grand Bahama.
Khaalis Rolle, Chairman of the Implementation Committee of the National Training Programme, noted that the programme is a major opportunity for the participants.
?When you transition out of this programme, the expectation is that you get a good job or become an entrepreneur,? Mr. Rolle said.
He said if they demonstrated commitment and dedication, there is an opportunity for them to start their own business.
Dr. Christina Nwosa, Associate Vice President, Outreach, COB, encouraged participants to continuously upgrade their skills.
?On-going training is essential and there are distinct benefits to a society from a population which is adequately prepared to meet a changing economic environment.?
Dr. Nwosa added, ?Lifelong learning or continuing education produces a more knowledgeable and flexible workforce that enables persons to realise their individual potential.?
She said other benefits of education include career flexibility, increased skill requirements, personal satisfaction and better wages.
?People who upgrade their work skills and knowledge not only keep up with the latest trends and techniques in their respective areas, but can also receive other benefits such as the training needed to realise additional goals,? Dr. Nwosa said.
(photo)Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Development the Hon. Loretta Butler-Turner brought remarks at the opening of the National Training Programme on Monday, September 14, 2009 at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. (BIS Photo/Raymond A. Bethel)
