REPUBLIC Bank (Guyana) Limited inaugurated its fifth annual Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme, on Monday, at its Promenade Court headquarters, in New Market Street, Georgetown.

Over the next seven months, 29 young men and women from various parts of Guyana will be exposed to both classroom and on-the-job training that would enable them to be more marketable in their career pursuits.
Bank Managing Director John Alves said, on the occasion, that, simply put, the scheme seeks to prepare school leavers to become successful, model employees and a true asset to any organization, at the end of the apprenticeship.
In addition to being trained, the apprentices would also be introduced to the element of care and compassion for the less fortunate through the ‘Care-A-Van’.
They will experience, too, a day of fun and relaxation at a specially selected location, as a part of the youth link experience.
Mr. Alves said the programme was first introduced to Guyana in 2008 and has proven to be very successful in transforming the lives of its participants and making them true assets to their community and country.
He remarked: “Ever so often, we hear of unpreparedness among entry level employees. And, in this, we see an opportunity to undertake to make a difference by playing an integral role in national development, thereby offering opportunities for our people to be confident and creating avenues to strengthen their ability to succeed.”

TRADITION
Alves said he hopes this fifth batch of apprentices will continue the tradition of excellence for the programme.
He continued: “In order to be successful at this Apprenticeship Programme, every apprentice has to become actively involved in the programme and be committed to its purpose, in order to benefit from the positive attributes.”
The apprentices will be attached to the various branches and departments of the bank across the country and will receive comprehensive training in business related skills and will also gain a practical insight into the inner workings at Republic Bank.
Upon completion of the programme, there will be a graduation ceremony and certificates will be distributed to all the successful participants.
Over the past four years, 92 young men and women have enjoyed the experience of being part of the working-world over a seven-month period with this programme.  The present 29 apprentices will bring the total number of participants, to date, to 121.