The Honourable Foster Cummings, Minister of Youth Development and National Service was represented by Mr. Anthony Garcia, Advisor to the Minister at the Launch of the Youth Technical Vocational Training (YouTec) Programme on Tuesday 25th June 2024. The YouTec Vocational Training Programme is designed to provide young persons from the ages 18-35 years, with technical/vocational skills training in Makeup Artistry; Culinary Arts; Preserving and Pickling; Barbering; Hair Braiding and Weaving; and Nail Technology in a thrust to equip them with the requisite skills and competencies to obtain gainful employment or entrepreneurial pursuit. This year, 300 youth will benefit from the training offered across Trinidad.
In his Feature Address, Mr. Garcia congratulated YTEPP, the training providers for the great job they have been doing over the past 35 years. He noted that the collaboration between the MYDNS and YTEPP has created opportunities for, “Many of our trained persons to earn a substantial income. So that they can continue to play an important role in the development of this country. Garcia added, that participants will not only learn the skills required for their specific programmes but will gain knowledge in life skills, which will make them capable of tackling the various social, environmental and economic challenges.
Ms. Sherry-Ann Ramlal, Youth Officer III of the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS) in her Programme Overview stated, “The collaboration between MYDNS and YTEPP aims to bridge the gap of unemployment through the YouTec TVET programmes.” Ramlal noted that “We at the MYDNS continue to create avenues towards the holistic development of our young people and to promote Technical/Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes to enhance the socio-economic condition of Trinidad and Tobago’s citizens; emphasising economic inclusiveness, greater equity and more meaningful citizens’ participation.”
Cohort 2 Graduate, Ms Sherina Supersad who completed the Nail Technology Course, spoke about the professionalism of her instructors and the depth of information she and her classmates received. Ms. Supersad indicated that she is now able to apply practical lessons in the pursuit of becoming an entrepreneur. She encourages the incoming participants to take advantage of the opportunity, “And don’t let it pass you.”
In his Remarks, Mr. Jesse Moss, Chairman of YTEPP Limited, proclaimed the unwavering commitment of YTEPP to the Youth of Trinidad and Tobago, as they aim to empower young people through the comprehensive training of their programmes.
Mr. Moss stated, “The collaborative effort with the MYDNS is a testimony to the power of partnerships, together we have created a platform that enables young people to reach their full potential, neutering dreams that turn into reality.”
The YouTec Vocational Training Programme will run for a total of ten (10) weeks at eleven (11) facilities across Trinidad. On successful completion of the programme, participants will receive a CVQ Certificate from YTEPP, which is recognised for employment and further educational development.
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 the National Service of Trinidad and Tobago.
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