“The solution to the things we are experiencing might involve some level of policing, but if we want to get to the root cause of the social problem we are experiencing in this country, we have to get the idle hands into the productive sector to contribute to the development of the country”. These were the words strongly exclaimed by the Honourable Foster Cummings, Minister of Youth Development and National Service, as he outlined the importance of training and upskilling young persons at the Launch of P.I.P.E. – the Plumbing Skills Training Programme. The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS) launched P.I.P.E on Tuesday 9th July, 2024, at the University Inn and Conference Centre, St. Augustine. P.I.P.E. will provide training, along with a stipend to 100 young men and women, ages 18 to 35 years to enable them to progress their careers in the plumbing field.
Minister Cummings in his feature address stated, “We are introducing an apprenticeship programme in plumbing as we recognize there is a need for certified plumbers. So we are working to meet this opportunity”, Minister Cummings went to on to make a commitment on behalf of the MYDNS to continue to implement and facilitate programmes that provide opportunities for young people to become productive citizens.
P.I.P.E. is a collaboration between the MYDNS, the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) and The Plumbers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (TPATT) and offers the valuable opportunity for participating youth to receive certification recognised throughout CARICOM countries, upon successful completion of training. Training will be delivered over a nine month period at three levels; (i) Pre-Craft, (ii) Craft and (iii) Technician.
Mr. Narine Charran, Permanent Secretary at the MYDNS delivered remarks at the launch and detailed the type of training that will be administered to the P.I.P.E. students. Mr. Charran stated, “You will learn about plumbing standards and how to translate those standards to practical skills. You will be able to provide high quality plumbing services consistent with the National Plumbing Code of Trinidad and Tobago”.
Mr. Herman Herbert, President of TPATT, in his remarks described the Plumbing Skills Training Programme as, “not just a curriculum, but a gateway to a fulfilling and prosperous career”. Mr. Herbert went on to thank Minister Cummings for initiating this “groundbreaking programme”.
Also speaking at the event was Mr. Alston Fournillier, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Comissioners, WASA. Mr. Fournillier offered words of inspiration to the incoming P.I.P.E. students encouraging them to take full advantage of the opportunity and not let their present circumstances derail their future.
The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service remains committed to bringing all stakeholders together to promote youth development and encouraging civic-minded citizens to contribute to National Service across Trinidad and Tobago.
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