THE JAMAICA Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and the Jamaica Employers Federation (JEF) have joined forces to launch a youth career development programme.

JHTA president, Horace Peterkin, explained that the JHTA/JEF programme is designed as a social intervention "to give hope and improved employability to the many students who drop out of school or leave without the qualifications or certification to get gainful employment."

He said that JHTA and JEF member companies have committed to guiding candidates to high-skilled jobs that will improve their employability.

THE VISION

The youth career development programme began in January with one hundred trainees in 27 companies. "The vision is to have participating companies provide training and career development for at least 1,000 youngsters per year," Mr. Peterkin said.

"By providing jobs and career opportunities for Jamaica's youth, we will provide hope and a future that takes them off the streets, out of the jaws of temptation and illegal activities."

The companies will pay a stipend to trainees and assist them in getting certification through agencies such as HEART/NTA, which will assess and certify them at the end of training periods. Additionally, employers may also involve trainees in other in-house programmes.

NOT A SAFE HOUSE

"The JHTA/JEF Youth Career Development Programme is not a safe house for delinquents," Mr. Peterkin stated, adding that both organisations are working with community leaders to identify trainees who are "literate and numerate, behave well and have a genuine interest in making something of their lives."

On completion of training and certification, participating JHTA and JEF-member companies will offer jobs to trainees where available, or circulate their applications across other member companies. The applications will also be posted on the JHTA employment website: www.JobsNmore.com.