Youth Link Apprenticeship Graduation 2012/2013

Caption: The Graduates with Dr. Nanda Gopaul, Minister of Labour (back row, fifth from left) and Officials of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited

The Power to Learn and Succeed

"I urge today's graduating team to always strive for excellence and to stay the course of professionalism, dedication and integrity - the motto of the Youth Link Apprenticeship programme. These are values and behaviours that will serve you well in both your personal and professional lives."

These were the words of Mr. John Alves, Managing Director of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited at the Graduation Ceremony for the Fifth Batch of Apprentices of the Bank's Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme. The programme commenced in October 2012 and concluded with a Gala Graduation Ceremony on Friday, May 31, 2013 at 15:30hrs at the Pegasus Hotel Guyana, Seawall Road, Kingston, Georgetown.

Over the past seven months the Apprentices were afforded the unique opportunity of early insight into the work environment, a boost for the recipients' marketability as they embark on their individual career pursuits.

The Apprentices, who were assigned across the Bank's Branch Network benefited from professional development in office procedures, personal development, banking operations, customer service and computing. They were also exposed to a community outreach styled Care-A-Van which enabled the group to experience a period of care giving with the children at the Red Cross Convalescent Home and an interactive session on First Aid at the Guyana Red Cross Society. Additionally, there was also time for group interaction and the development of social skills during a day of fun and relaxation with a guided tour along the Essequibo River with stops at Fort Island, Bartica and the Baganara Island Resort.

The Feature Address at the Graduation Ceremony was delivered by the Honourable Dr. Nanda Gopaul, Minister of Labour.

The Special Performance Awards were presented as follows:

Best All Rounder - Nicola John
Best Business Proposal - Kemo Paul
Most Disciplined Apprentice - Kemo Paul
Most Improved Apprentice - Rowllon Wright
Most Effective Presentation - Kerian Allen

The Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme was first introduced in Guyana in 2008 primarily to bridge the gap between the end of the participants' school life and the start of their career.

For more information on Republic Bank, visit: www.republicguyana.com