Latest update January 23rd, 2025 6:07 AM
23 graduate from Republic Bank Youth Apprenticeship Programme
In fulfilling its duty as a good corporate citizen, Republic Bank Guyana yesterday held a graduation ceremony for 23 youths who were engaged in a seven-month apprenticeship programme with the bank at its various branches in Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice.
This is the third batch of young people to have the opportunity to grow and develop in Republic Bank’s dynamic working environment. This year’s Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme commenced last October with 25 youths.
The 23 graduates, managing team of Republic Bank Guyana and Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir at the graduation ceremony of the Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme
“The Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme is an integral part of our community outreach initiative- the Power to Make A Difference where Republic Bank affords secondary school graduates the opportunity to experience the working world in a nurturing, safe and professional environment,” John Alves, Managing Director stated.
He noted that the objective through this programme was to equip the apprentices with the requisite level of awareness, knowledge, skills and etiquette to propel their career in a positive direction, and, more importantly to become assets to their employers and ultimately a source of national pride for Guyana.
Other than the rigorous day-to-day professional interactions with colleagues and customers the youths were exposed to social activities held by the bank including family fun day.
They also responded positively to the charitable works the organisation engages in.
Alves said, “We were heartened by your response to the Youth Link Care-A-Van experience where you interacted with the elderly at the Uncle Eddie’s Home and the children of the Guyana Red Cross Convalescent Home.
Through this outreach, the values of empathy, social awareness and respect for every individual were evident.” Speaking on behalf of the youths was Erica Singh who was given the valedictorian award. Singh’s recollection of the team’s tenure reflected childlike innocence and the adventure of learning and dwelling in a new environment.
She emphasised that learning the day-to-day banking processes was not all the apprentices were exposed too. A great deal of interpersonal skills were developed particularly dealing with customers, even rude ones.
Singh noted that they underwent a two-week training programme and were placed at the entity’s branches in their respective counties. She reminisced on the fond memories the group shared and indicated that the team is anticipating the future.
Minister of Labour, Manzoor Nadir, who delivered the feature address, shared two necessary ingredients for success: continued education until one reaches the pinnacle; and continued training.
He noted that young people in Guyana have a lot of ambition but that ambition should not be achieved by any means.
Minister Nadir said that like this apprenticeship programme, Government has a programme that trains school dropouts or other vulnerable persons. This allows them to acquire a skill and be gainfully employed, he added.
Some of the youths are placed in various agencies where they undergo training and sometimes the agencies recruit them.
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