REPUBLIC Bank (Guyana) Limited, on Thursday, celebrated the achievements of 25 bright young men and women, at a ceremony held at the Guyana Marriot Hotel.

According to a press release, this event marked a significant milestone in the seven-month journey of these talented apprentices as they embark on their professional careers.

After months of dedication, hard work, and invaluable learning experiences, this, the fourteenth batch of Youth Link Apprentices, will each receive a Caribbean Vocational Qualification Banking Operations Level One certificate.

This certificate, according to Republic Bank, is approved by the Council for Human and Social Development of CARICOM through the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET). With this qualification, the apprentices will be eligible for jobs within the CARICOM Region.

Throughout the programme, each apprentice was exposed to a combination of classroom instruction, on-the-job training and self-directed learning.

Under the guidance of CTVET certified trainers and assessors, these apprentices improved their skills and knowledge in various areas essential for success in the world of work.

The apprentices were assigned to various branches across the bank’s network from October 2024 to April 2025, where they received comprehensive training and practical experience.

They gained insights into communication techniques, office procedures and sales strategies, while also crafting business proposals and developing their public speaking abilities through effective presentation sessions.

In addition to formal training, participants were also exposed to purposeful activities designed to broaden their perspectives and enhance their personal development.

They interacted with children from the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, received First Aid training facilitated by US-based. Emergency Medical Instruction and Consulting Company (EMIC), and enjoyed a memorable trip to a local resort, allowing them to deepen their appreciation for our nation’s history and natural splendour, the bank said.

“At the heart of the programme lies our commitment to recognising excellence and fostering a culture of achievement. As such, special awards were presented to commend outstanding performances in various categories, including Best All Rounder, Best Business Proposal, Most Effective Presentation, Most Disciplined Apprentice, Most Improved Apprentice and Most Congenial Apprentice,” Republic Bank said.

In his address to the graduates, Stephen Grell, Managing Director of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, said that the true essence of this apprenticeship programme is about preparing young adults to better navigate their personal and professional pursuits.

He remarked “….  This programme is about far more than learning banking operations. It is about building people. It is designed to recognise and reward excellence, while equipping young people with the tools to thrive.

“The 2024/2025 Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme graduation ceremony served as a key reminder of the power of education, mentorship, and opportunity to transform lives and shape futures. As we celebrated the accomplishments of our graduates, we look forward to witnessing the positive impact they will undoubtedly have on our communities and the world at large.”

The Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme was first introduced in Guyana in 2008, primarily to bridge the gap between the end of the participants’ school life and the start of their careers.