OVER thirty work-study students from various government ministries and agencies benefitted from a one-day comprehensive ‘Job Readiness’ programme, equipping them with essential knowledge and skills for employment. The workshop, held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at the Ministry of Labour’s boardroom, was a collaborative effort between the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA), Ministry of Labour, and Ministry of Education.
Head of the CRMA, Ms. Yolanda Grant, emphasised the ministry’s commitment to empowering work-study students, enhancing their chances of securing employment. This initiative aligns with the PPP/C Administration’s ongoing efforts to provide opportunities that shape the future of young Guyanese, contributing to national development.

“The CRMA department has been working assiduously to provide the necessary exposure, knowledge, and skills to potential jobseekers across this country. This workshop is just one of the many initiatives targeting and educating our young people to help make an impact in their lives,” Ms. Grant noted.

Ms. Dawn Monplaisir, an educator with the Ministry of Education responsible for work-study students, highlighted the workshop’s timely and necessary nature. She expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, for recognising the importance of educating the nation’s youth to adapt to the current recruitment process.

“This step taken will not only boost the participants’ confidence to enter the world of work but will improve their insight into what to expect moving forward in life,” Ms. Monplaisir said.
Several students shared their experiences, underscoring the workshop’s impact. Sixteen-year-old Ms. Amisha Hooper, a student of St. Stanislaus College, remarked on the workshop’s role in helping jobseekers like herself better represent themselves during the recruitment process. “The workshop has helped to build my mindset in a way that aligns with my future goals. It changes your perspectives of what to expect,” she noted.
Ms. Kaylee Schwartz, a student of Morgan’s Learning Centre, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to gain vital information and counsel on operating in the world of work. She hopes to share the knowledge and skills with others to aid them in their employment journey.

Participants learned how to construct resumes, personal interview skills, work ethics, career guidance, counselling, and workplace practices from the employer’s perspective, among other things. Schools represented included St. Joseph High, St. Stanislaus College, Brickdam Secondary, Tucville Secondary, Houston Secondary, Bishop’s High, North Georgetown Secondary, Tutorial High, Morgan’s Learning Centre, School of Nations, Cummings Lodge Secondary, Dolphin Secondary, Guyana Training Centre, Charlestown Secondary, among others.

Formed in 1994, the CRMA is responsible for registering job seekers for employment, noting their occupational and technical qualifications, experiences, and desires, and placing them in suitable positions based on employers’ notifications.