Employers encouraged to assist with ‘Get Into’ youth programme

Not only youth, but local employers can benefit from the Prince’s International Trust’s “Get Into” Programme, which aims to reduce youth unemployment.

 

Susan Martin, International Project Manager with Prince’s Trust International, expounded on the benefits of such a programme for employers, as she delivered introductory remarks at an Employers Summit held jointly by the Trust and the Ministry of Youth, at the Hilton Hotel yesterday. The Summit sought to engage potential employers in participating in “Get Into”, the Trust’s flagship employability programme; a sector-specific, employer-driven programme, which aims to aid disadvantaged young people.

 

Martin told those gathered that Prince’s Trust International is an international charity recently established by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, which builds on the success of The Prince’s Trust in the UK. Having built effective programmes and strong partnerships to help young people into jobs and self-employment in the United Kingdom, organisations around the world have been turning to The Prince’s Trust, to learn from their experience of helping young people into work.

 

Prince’s Trust International looks to work and partner with governments, and local organisations and Barbados was chosen for the launch of two pilot programmes, “Get Into Hospitality” and “Get Into Logistics”. The programmes will run over a two to six week period in Barbados and will target those between the ages of 16 to 25.

 

Martin stressed that based on the programme’s track record, employers could be assured that they too will benefit greatly from the programme.

 

“For employers, [here are some of the] benefits “Get Into” can provide.

 

Ninety three per cent of businesses said a key benefit was the opportunity to see candidates in action, before offering them a job. Eighty seven per cent said the involvement demonstrated commitment to the communities in which they operate. Sixty five per cent said it really helped them increase employee engagement and development opportunities for their existing staff. Forty seven per cent said it increased their workforce diversity and fifty three per cent said the programme recruited loyal and committed, talented young people,” she indicated, whilst giving feedback from the programme.

 

“What does it do for young people? It improves their confidence, it develops their communication, reliability and team working skills; they gain sector-specific skills and experience in direct response to employers’ needs. They work towards relevant specific qualifications in the industry, and this is what employers want to see,” Martin said.

 

To date, she said, young people in Barbados are anxiously awaiting the start of the programme, but a rigorous recruitment drive will take place first, in an effort to select those most enthusiastic and best suited for the two pilots. (RSM)