A new Industrial-Mechanical Apprenticeship Programme (I-MAP) was jointly launched by the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS) and the Heritage Petroleum Company Limited on Monday 25th March 2024 at the Heritage Compound, Santa Flora.
The Industrial-Mechanical Apprenticeship Programme is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to excel in the energy sector. I-MAP targets young nationals ages 18 to 35 years residing in Palo Seco, Siparia, Santa Flora, La Brea, Point Fortin, Los Bajos, and surrounding areas, who have a keen interest in the industrial maintenance, electrical and mechanical fields of the oil and gas sector.
This programme offers 15-month skills training courses in two specific subsets: Industrial Maintenance and Electrical Technology, and Mechanical Engineering and Welding Technology. I-MAP also offers practical experience, via on-the-job-training, to help youth gain important employability skills thus enabling successful participants to secure employment.
During his Welcome Remarks at the Launch, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Heritage, Mr. Michael Quamina, shared “the programme marks the beginning of a transformative journey for 50 trainees and Heritage will provide the optimal learning experience for them.”
Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, the Honourable Stuart Young, complimented the Ministry of Youth Development and National “for moving as quickly as it did to implement
the vision of the Prime Minister to provide opportunities for the young people of Trinidad and Tobago.”
Following Minister Young, the Honourable Foster Cummings, Minister of Youth Development and National Service said in his Address, “the Government cares about and values young people.” He pleaded with the youth to “answer the call to be positive contributors to society.” Minister Cummings added that “the MYDNS will be offering additional programmes in the areas of Crane Operations, Plumbing, Landscaping and Health Care,” to name a few. He later thanked the Board Members of Heritage, the MIC Institute of Technology, the MYDNS and all partners who contributed to the successful Launch of I-MAP.
Delivering the Feature Address at the Launch, Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago shared, “nothing is taught until it is learnt.” With a sense of pride, he stated“the Government has done better than they expected with Heritage,” further adding that “Heritage is a success story.” Dr. Rowley explained, “the I-MAP was created using the resources of Heritage, other Ministries and a whole of government approach.” He jokingly admitted to losing count of the number of initiatives of the MYDNS and stated, “the country’s future is in youth programmes.”
Also in attendance were the Honourable Stephen Mc Clashie -Minister of Labour, Mr. Narine Charran – Permanent Secretary (Ag.)- MYDNS, Mrs. Savitri Balkaran – Deputy Permanent Secretary-MYDNS, Mr. Sean Ramrattan-Director, Youth Affairs Division as well as representatives of the Board of Directors of Heritage and the MIC Institute of Technology.
In addition to classroom instruction, apprentices of I-MAP will have the opportunity to gain practical experience through hands-on workshops and simulations. Upon completion of the programme, participants will be certified and well-equipped to pursue careers in industrial-mechanical sector.
The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service remains committed to bringing all key stakeholders together to promote youth development and encourage civic-minded citizens to contribute to national service across Trinidad and Tobago.
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