Latest update April 7th, 2025 12:08 AM
29 graduate work-study program at Republic Bank
Twenty-nine teens graduated the Republic Bank’s Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme for 2012 to 2013.
A simple graduation ceremony was held at the Pegasus Hotel yesterday.
The participants, work study students who are awaiting their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) results, were awarded certificates for their participation in the seven months long programme. Those who excelled received additional awards.
Nicola John received an award for being the best all rounder. Kemo Paul received two awards- one for the best business proposal, and the other for being the most disciplined apprentice.
Minister of Labour-Nanda Gopaul and Managing Director of Republic Bank Guyana Limited (centre), John Alves, flocked by graduates of the apprenticeship programme.
The most improved apprentice award was given to Rowlon Wright, while Kerian Allen copped the award for the most effective presentation.
It was noted that unlike the last five years, the male dominated the special awards.
The participants, who were chosen by their respective teachers and headmistresses, were trained in the area of Banking and Financing.
Making his remarks, Managing Director of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, John Alves, explained that Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme forms an integral part in the company’s community investment initiative.
He added that the objective is to guide a group of Guyana’s youths for future career options, with the view of supporting national professional development.
Hence, he said, the bank sought to equip the apprentices with the necessary skills- level of aware, knowledge, and etiquette to propel their careers in a positive direction.
It was explained at the function that each participant was exposed to the day-to-day banking processes, with the key target areas being effective customer service, attendance and punctuality, and a professional attitude.
He noted that the programme is carried out each year with the hope that at the end of it, school leavers would develop into a more rounded individual who is exposed and have the opportunity to grasp some key banking knowledge, as well as the concept of teamwork and social awareness.
Alves announced that he was pleased with the collective response portrayed by the students towards those values.
“Your general conduct during the programme is a resounding statement of your commitment to excellence, and this assured the success,” Alves told the graduates, applauding them for their contribution towards the company’s social activities.
Apart from learning the banking and financing aspects, the participants were able to experience what many of them described as one of the best field trips they have ever had.
They were afforded a stay at the Baganara Island Resort, with the opportunity to a guided tour of Fort Island and Bartica, places that many of them had never gone before.
Alves told the graduates that “while one part of your journey ends here today, there are many more experiences and challenges to discover. As you continue in your life’s pursuits, we encourage you to remain focused on your goals, work hard, maximize every opportunity afforded you, and remain committed.”
He added that “Individual commitment to a group effort- that is what males a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”
Meanwhile, making the feature address was Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul. He commended Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited for undertaking the fifth annual challenge of helping a batch of students successfully transition themselves from secondary school life, to the adult world of work.
Gopaul advised that should the company apply for national accreditation to conduct their training, he would be the first to ensure that it gets it.
He also made the call for employers to invest in training their workforce, as money spent will only reveal beneficial results.
In closing, the Minister advised the graduates to dream big, and stay focused to going after their dreams. He also advised them to pursue higher education, as it is invaluable compared to making a quick dollar.
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