The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service has obtained the approval of the Cabinet for the refurbishment, repurposing and outfitting of the Chaguaramas Convention Centre into a modern Youth Development and Apprenticeship Centre (YDAC), consistent with the current standards of a residential vocational training institution.
Minister of Youth Development and National Service, the Honourable Foster Cummings made a recommendation to the Cabinet for ‘the establishment of a YDAC in West Trinidad to service such communities as Diego Martin (North, Central and West), Carenage and Petit Valley.’ This facility will complement the existing YDACs located in Persto Praesto and Chatham.
The Ministry has also received the approval of Cabinet for the construction of a Centre at Wallerfield, to cater for young males from the eastern districts, and the re-establishment of another at El Dorado, for females.
The symmetry created by the expansion of the YDACs, coupled with the provision of modern curriculum and trade offerings, will address the development needs of the youth of Trinidad and Tobago, as they will cater for two hundred and fifty (250) trainees at each intake.
Minister Cummings highlighted that the YDACs over the past fifty (50) years have produced disciplined, tolerant and productive citizens and have also noted, that many of the social issues, psychological encounters, economic challenges and vulnerability, into which a large number of young people continue to fall, highlight the need for the continuation and establishment of such Centres.
The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service will partner with agencies such Youth Training and Employment Partnership Programme (YTEPP), the National Energy Skills Centre (NESC) and the MIC Institute of Technology for the implementation of the YDAC skills training programmes.
The Ministry remains committed to bringing all stakeholders together to promote youth development, and encourages civic-minded citizens to contribute to national service across Trinidad and Tobago.
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