Programme equips students with key skills

 

Secondary and tertiary school graduates are academically qualified for the work place, but they lack the skills to be productive.
 
This point was made by Pro-Vice Chancellor and Principal of The University of the West Indies, Open Campus, Dr. Luz Longsworth, while addressing the graduation ceremony for the inaugural “Preparing Today For Tomorrow’s Challenges” Programme at the Ellerslie Secondary School.
 
She said this would occur because the world of work has changed. “It is taken for granted that you would have the withal (sic), that you would have the skills to be an accountant, that you would have the skills to be a lawyer, a doctor, but what you are missing are the skills to be a very productive employee or leader.”
 
The programme was a joint initiative of the Open Campus and Ellerslie Secondary School. It exposed participants to topics such as Effective Communication, Résumé Preparation and The Interview Process. A total of 19 returning fifth formers from Ellerslie Secondary were involved in the programme and Jazzim Rowe, the Most Outstanding Female student, was awarded an internship.
 
Using the acronym L.E.A.D (Look beyond, Excellence Always, Alert to opportunities and Discipline makes it happen), she gave students four tips of how to lead into their future. Dr. Longsworth told the graduates to have a vision; to key their eye on their goal; to give excellent work always; and to make excellence a habit. She also urged them to view the disappointments that they may face as opportunities, always looking for the silver lining in the clouds. Additionally, to be discipline while giving a consistent performance while on the job. (MG)

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