FOR the 2010 work study programme, 42 agencies have responded, 20 apologized for not taking part and about 350 students will be afforded the opportunity to have an initial stint in the world of work.

This was disclosed yesterday when the work study programme was launched at Queen’s College, in Georgetown.
Principal Education Officer, Mr. Marcel Hutson, said the significance of this programme cannot be over-emphasized, as it fosters partnership with schools and business entities and helps students deliver what is expected of them in the world of work.
He added that it gives them a chance to travel and develop abilities, and also gives agencies the opportunity to mark the talents and skills of students for future employment.
Hutson encouraged the students to make full use of the opportunity and to utilize qualities such as discipline and industriousness. In so doing, he said they will make the department of Education proud.
Senior Personnel Officer at the Ministry, Daneilla Mc Calmon, reminded the students of some of the things that the agencies will expect of them.

According to Mc Calmon, the students are expected to be in their uniform at all times even though permanent staff may dress casually at certain times. The reason for this, she said, is that students need to keep up the reputation of their school.
She further reminded the students that if they cannot go to work for some reason, they should make certain that they send a message to their supervisor. She urged them to become familiar with the office telephone numbers as they are expected to behave in a professional manner at all times.
According to her, the time-sheet would need to be signed for accountability purposes and students are not entitled to a monthly salary but to a stipend of $15,000. Once the student is 16 years old and over, deductions would be made for National Insurance Scheme (NIS).
Assistant Chief Education Officer, Secondary, Melcita Bovell, said the work study programme will last for eight weeks and that because the secondary sector is tasked with preparing the students for the world of work, the Education Ministry would sample schools across Guyana and conduct workshops to help them understand what is expected of them.
She encouraged them to do research on office ethics and good practices, noting that they are writing their own recommendation.
Bovell told the students that employers often look for much more than qualifications and she urged them to be punctual, as if they are late for two times in a row, they will be pulled off the work site. She explained that this is because hundreds of children wish to be given this opportunity.
She advised them that they will be banned if they do not have proper hairstyles. This will be reported by teachers who are sent out every year to supervise and support those on work study, she said.
The presence of the teachers is also to ensure that the students are treated well and are not sexually harassed.
Bovell encouraged the students to call telephone number 226 8812 if problems crop up, 223 6406 for more grave issues to be dealt with, and 619 7294 for an emergency.