Republic Bank graduates 26 more apprentices
REPUBLIC Bank (Guyana) Limited graduated 26 more participants from its Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme (YLAP) on Monday, at the Pegasus Hotel, in Kingston, Georgetown. The course commenced in October 2011 and over the past seven months, the apprentices were given the unique opportunity of early insight into the work environment, a boost to their marketability as they embark on their individual career pursuits.
The group benefitted from professional development in office procedures, personal development, banking operations, customer service and computing while on assignment across the bank’s branch network.
The programme also included a community outreach called ‘Care-A-Van’ which, this year, exposed them to a period of care giving with the children at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre and an interactive session on First Aid at Guyana Red Cross Society, also in Georgetown.Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Republic Bank Managing Director, Mr. John Alves recalled that, last October, the 26 young men and women were challenged to maximise the career opening afforded them, as they make the transition from secondary school to the adult world of work.
He said the company is satisfied with the successful completion of the YLAP and the accomplishment by the apprentices, the fourth such batch.
Integral part
Alves said the YLAP forms an integral part of the Bank’s community investment initiative which is the power to make a difference where Republic Bank offers secondary school leavers the chance to experience the working world in a safe, nurturing and professional environment.The objective of the programme is to mould and guide a section of Guyana’s youth for future career options, with a view to supporting national professional development.
As such, the bank has sought to equip them with the necessary skills, level of awareness, knowledge and etiquette to propel their careers in a positive direction.
Over the seven months of the apprenticeship, every participant was exposed to the day to day banking processes, the core values that the bank sought to establish, including excellence in customer service, attendance and punctuality, a professional attitude and team orientation.
Alves said he is pleased with the collective response to those values as the general conduct of the apprentices during their training is a resounding statement of their commitment to excellence and this assured the success of the process.
He recalled that, at the programme launch, the undertaking was given that the seven months apprenticeship would be fun-filled, as those taking part got the choice of being involved in uplifting experiences that comprise the staff culture at Republic Bank.
That was realised through the apprentices’ attendance and participation at their annual staff party, among other social activities, Alves said.
He stated that the management and staff were particularly heartened by the response to the ‘Youth Link Care-A-Van’ experience where the apprentices interacted with the children from the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre and gained firsthand knowledge of first aid practices through the Red Cross Society.
Alves said, through that outreach, the values of empathy, social awareness and respect for every individual were evident.
Future development
He pointed out that the Youth Link project is the Bank’s investment for their future development and he urged the present graduates to always strive for excellence and stay on the course of professionalism, dedication and integrity.
Alves said that is the motto of the YLAP, including values that will serve the graduates well in both their personal and professional lives.
He added that, while one part of the apprentices’ journey ends, there are many more experiences and challenges to discover and, as they continue in their life’s pursuits, he encouraged them to remain focused on their goals.
Work hard and maximise every opening they are offered, Alves advised them.
In closing, he warmly congratulated the new apprentices and thanked their teachers who recommended them for this programme, as well as their parents and guardians who supported them throughout.
He also extended his gratitude to the officers throughout Republic Bank’s network for providing the daily coaching and nurturing, so as to bring them to this stage of competence, confidence and capability.
Alves congratulated the graduates on behalf of the Board of Directors, management and staff on a job well done and thanked them for enriching the organisation by their presence, performance and accomplishment.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Ms. Jennifer Webster, who delivered the feature address, said she was delighted to be a part of such a remarkable occasion.
She said the government has always been pleased with the contribution of Republic Bank to the development of the country.
Webster observed that the bank continues to show its commitment to making Guyana better and further educating its future leaders by providing such programmes.
Similar schemes
She encouraged other private entities to take up the challenge thrown out by Republic Bank and move forward by also assisting with similar schemes for the young people of Guyana.
The minister encouraged the graduates to push ahead in their bid to become productive citizens and ignore thoughts of negativism.
She remarked that success comes from hard work and determination and the desire to be successful.
She acknowledged that there has been talk about challenges for young people to face before acquiring employment after completing their secondary education as they do not possess the necessary experience requested by employers but said programmes like the bank’s, bridge the gap between school graduates and securing employment.
After the speeches, the graduates were presented their awards and certificates for completing the course.
Apprentice Roveena Jugmohan was the valedictorian and took the award for outstanding performance in attendance, punctuality and attitude, as well as Best Speaker.
Upon receiving her accolades, the proud young woman thanked the bank for providing her and her colleagues the opening to be trained in the very informative course.
The 2011/2012 graduates are Roveena Jugmohan, Biswantie Persaud, Dinesh Deonarine, Electrice Bell, Joshua Seunarine, Judah Louisy, Julia Persaud, Kenisha Redmond, Kousila Singh, Lena Henry, Lisa Romeo, Mickelo Dodson, Milika Rahim, Neasha Naipaul, Niketta Gonsalves, Oksana Bovell, Omesh Winston, Padmananie Ramsamooj, Parbattie Prashad, Peter Barkoye, Reshana Inshan, Romona Seepaul, Seriena Alli, Sheniza Bentick, Tammy Massiah and Tanjalee Motielall.
During the training, they were also taken to visit the Guyana Heritage Museum and the Pandama Retreat, so as to enjoy Guyanese History and natural beauty while relaxing with their peers and chaperones.
Amidst Minister Webster’s commendation…
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