REPUBLIC Bank (Guyana) Limited (RBL) celebrated its 13th Youth Link Apprenticeship programme, which saw 26 outstanding youths graduating from the seven-month long journey.

The programme continues to be a key part of RBL Guyana’s corporate social responsibility, designed to recognise and reward excellence, while also equipping youths with the necessary tools to thrive in the world of work.

RBL is proud of the continued partnership with the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), which plays a vital role in certifying each apprentice that benefitted from RBL’s competency-based education training.

Through this fruitful collaboration, the 26 young apprentices will receive a Caribbean Vocational Qualification in Banking Operations level one from the Caribbean Association of National Training Agencies Council. This can be used when seeking employment for specific entry-level jobs in the Caribbean.

The Managing Director of RBL Guyana. Stephen Grell in his address to the graduates noted that with this graduating batch, the total number of young Guyanese who have benefitted from the programme has now reach some 324 youths.

He said, “That’s not just a statistic. That’s 324 young lives impacted, 324 future leaders, and 324 reasons why we’re proud to continue investing in the youth of this country.” He pointed out, “Several months ago, we welcomed these young, bright minds full of curiosity, ambition, into out Apprenticeship Programme. Today, they stand before us transformed into confident professionals ready to make their mark on the world.”

The programme, according to Grell is about building people. He underscored that participants would have discovered their own capabilities, cultivated discipline, teamwork and resilience throughout their time in the programme. These, he said, are qualities that will serve them throughout their lives.

“You have put in the work, and you are living proof of what’s possible with effort and opportunity. You have shown that growth happens when we challenge ourselves beyond the expected,” Grell said.

Also addressing the graduates was valedictorian Nneka August, who posited that the programme was more than a training opportunity. “It was a transformative experience. It was our bridge from secondary school to the professional world. The classroom sessions were enlightening, the trainings were hands-on and the tours, well, they were unforgettable,” August said.

Reminiscing on the lengthy journey, Nneka said over the past months, herself and fellow graduates had many busy nights studying for assessments, completing portfolios, as well as moments of self-doubt. She mentioned however, “But through perseverance and dedication, we’re reached this milestone together.”

Delivering a motivational address, Dr. Wil Campbell, a University of Guyana lecturer and the President of the Guyana Association of Professional Psychologists in his charge to the graduates said, “So you are now part of a movement of more than 300 young persons that have benefitted from this apprenticeship programme, and to some of you this might be the beginning of a journey into the world of banking but to some it might be a bridge to other careers. That’s alright I suppose. At any rate I can guarantee you that the benefits you have provided from this programme will provide a boost for the rest of your educational and career pursuits.”

Dr. Campbell told the graduates that they now have a distinct advantage over numerous others who have not been able to benefit from this unique opportunity.

He noted that this opportunity makes them eligible for employment at a number of Caribbean states and will count towards matriculation in some institutions of higher learning.

“For many of you this is a path with some challenges certainly in terms of learning experience and hopefully loads of personal growth. You’ve not only gained knowledge about banking and finance, but you’ve developed essential skills; essential soft skills that will serve you well in your career and beyond,” he posited.