16 graduate from Republic Bank’s Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme

See below the full statement issued:

Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited on Friday, May 10, 2024 celebrated the achievements of sixteen (16) bright young men and women, at a ceremony held at the Guyana Marriot Hotel. This event marked a significant milestone in the seven-month journey of these talented apprentices as they embark on their professional careers.

After months of dedication, hard work, and invaluable learning experiences, this thirteenth batch of Youth Link Apprentices, will each receive a Caribbean Vocational Qualification Banking Operations Level 1 Certificate. This Certificate is approved by the Council for Human and Social Development of CARICOM through the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET). With this qualification, the Apprentices will be eligible for jobs within the CARICOM Region.

Throughout the programme, each Apprentice was exposed to a combination of classroom instruction, on-the-job training and self-directed learning. Under the guidance of CTVET certified trainers and assessors, these apprentices improved their skills and knowledge in various areas essential for success in the world of work.

The Apprentices were assigned to various branches across the Bank’s network from October 2023 to April 2024, where they received comprehensive training and practical experience. They gained insights into communication techniques, office procedures and sales strategies, while also crafting business proposals and developing their public speaking abilities through effective presentation sessions.

In addition to formal training, participants were also exposed to purposeful activities designed to broaden their perspectives and enhance their personal development. They interacted with children from the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, received First Aid training from the Guyana Red Cross. and enjoyed a memorable trip to a local resort, allowing them to deepen their appreciation for our nation’s history and natural splendor.

At the heart of the programme lies our commitment to recognizing excellence and fostering a culture of achievement. As such special awards were presented to commend outstanding performances in various categories, including Best All Rounder, Best Business Proposal, Most Effective Presentation, Most Disciplined Apprentice, Most Improved Apprentice and Most Congenial Apprentice.

In his address to the graduates, Mr. Stephen Grell, Managing Director of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited noted that the true essence of this Apprenticeship Programme Is about preparing young adults to better navigate their personal and professional pursuits. He remarked “….  we are really celebrating the emergence of future leaders; young men and women who are better equipped to succeed in today’s working world; more willing to make a difference to build more successful societies.”

The 2023/2024 Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme graduation ceremony served a key reminder of the power of education, mentorship, and opportunity to transform lives and shape futures. As we celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates, we look forward to witnessing the positive impact they will undoubtedly have on our communities and the world at large.

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 careers.