MINISTER of Education Shaik Baksh lauded Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd. for its contribution to the development of local youth at the launch of the bank’s third Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme hosted at Pegasus Hotel on Monday.
At the event where 25 students were taken on board for the three month apprenticeship programme, Baksh said he was struck by the variety of programmes for youth promoted by the bank.
Describing the programmes as “commendable initiatives”, he said they harmonized with other programmes run by the ministry.
He commented that this was what education was all about, not the regurgitation of facts, but a rich experience. Continuing, he said it was the desire of the Ministry to produce students who were well rounded and well grounded.
Noting that the bank was investing in youth, the Minister observed that the CARICOM Commission of Youth Development called for an investment in youth in all levels. Baksh said the cost of not investing in youth was phenomenal and would have a negative effect on a country’s GDP, going on to cite statistics to illustrate his point.
Pointing out that a recent study showed a mismatch in the curriculum with what is required in today’s job market, Baksh said it was necessary to have career guidance at school level.
Urging other corporate entities to emulate the example of Republic Bank, he said the apprenticeship programme must be replicated “a hundredfold” all over Guyana.
The bank’s Managing Director, John Alves, said the Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme is specially designed to mould young people and help them transition into the world of work, in a nurturing and professional environment.
Alves said that the programme, which was first introduced by the bank’s parent company in Trinidad and Tobago, proved successful, and the bank was motivated to start the programme two years ago in Guyana, after seeing a similar need here.

Alves said that ever so often unpreparedness among entry level employees is experienced, and the programme simply seeks to prepare school leavers to become successful model employees who will be an asset to any organistion.
Alves said over the next seven months, the Youth Link Apprentices will be given the necessary tools, training, coaching and guidance, and an opportunity to develop an understanding of the work environment so as to acquire the basic marketable skills required to improve their career options.
Speaking directly to the apprentices, Alves cautioned that success in the programme was not automatic, and every apprentice must be actively involved in the programme and committed to its purpose in order to benefit from its positive attributes.
Delivering a motivational speech to the apprentices, Director of Republic Bank (Guyana) Ms. Yolande Foo, said part of the bank’s vision is to instill a culture which enables the continual development of young people along a path which enables the achievement of their highest potential.
She charged the apprentices to make the opportunity they had been afforded count, explaining that they would not leave the apprenticeship programme as they entered, but would be equipped with distinct knowledge, increased capacity, increased capabilities, enhanced interpersonal skills and a better appreciation of many aspects which endure in the world of work.
Foo encouraged the apprentices to ask all the questions necessary to clarify areas of doubt, to adopt and display appropriate professional behaviours, and reminded them that there were the joys of making new friends, the satisfaction of getting positive feedback, and the belonging to a vibrant team would build their confidence and leave them with memories to treasure.
General Manager, Credit, Ms. Patricia Plummer, reiterated that the programme would help to prepare the youths for work in the corporate world.
Also present and delivering the closing remarks was General Manager of Corporate and Management Services, Ms. Denise Hobbs, who delivered the closing remarks.