Youth Link Apprentices Complete Seven Month Programme

Twenty-eight Apprentices were assigned across the Republic Bank’s Branch Network from October 28, 2016 to May 25, 2017 where they were trained and coached for the work environment, allowing them to develop both professionally and personally.

Apart from the knowledge in several areas of banking operations, the Apprentices were also involved in the preparation of a Business Proposal and benefitted from an Effective Presentation Session where they presented to a panel of judges on selected topics.

The youths participated in a community outreach initiative at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre where they were exposed to the activities executed by the Centre followed by an interactive session on First Aid facilitated by the Guyana Red Cross Society.

On May 05, 2017 for their Field Trip, the Team enjoyed a day of fun and relaxation with a guided tour along the Essequibo River, with stops at Fort Island and the Baganara Island Resort.

During the programme, each Apprentice is continually evaluated on their performance in several areas by a team of Republic Bank Guyana) Limited Staff Assessors. These Assessors were trained extensively by the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training and are fully equipped to perform this function.

Upon completion of the Apprenticeship Programme, the apprentices will receive the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) from the Caribbean Association of National Training Agencies (CANTA) in Banking Operations Level One. With this qualification the Apprentices will be eligible for jobs within the CARICOM Region.

The Graduation Ceremony was held at the Pegasus Hotel, Seawall Road, Kingston, Georgetown at on June 15, 2017 where Dr. Marlon Hestick, delivered the Motivational Address.

The Special Performance Awards were presented as follows:

• Best All Rounder - Fardeen Alli
• Best Business Proposal - Fardeen Alli
• Most Effective Presentation - Manesha Samaroo
• Most Disciplined Apprentice - Matthew Hunte
• Most Improved Apprentice - Saskia Solomon
• Most Congenial Apprentice - Esther Ann Phagoo

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.

On the penultimate day of the 2017 programme, Keisha Anthony, one of this year’s Apprentices from the Diamond Branch was involved in a tragic accident succumbing a few weeks later. The Republic Bank family is truly saddened at the passing of young Keisha Anthony, and continue to keep in thought and prayer, her family and all who mourn her loss.