Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme Graduation

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, June 18, 2019:“We are all just one decision away from a totally different life.” These were the first words shared by Anna-María García-Brooks, General Manager, Group Human Resources, Republic Bank at the 33rd Graduating Ceremony of the Republic Bank Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme. The ceremony was held on Thursday, June 13, 2019 at the Bank’s Head Office, Park Street, Port of Spain.

Since its inception in 1986, the Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme has helped hundreds of young persons bridge the gap between secondary school and the world of work by providing them with valuable work experience and opportunities for personal and professional development. This year, 40 secondary school graduates between the ages of 16-19 years old participated in the Programme. Over a 7-month period, they were attached to various branches across the Bank’s network and were engaged in various courses in office procedures, personal development, banking operations, customer service and financial literacy.

In addressing the graduating cohort of apprentices, Mrs García-Brooks encouraged them to recognise that their decisions and actions control their destiny and advised them that “every decision is an opportunity to embrace change, to set a new path”. It’s pertinent advice for a group of graduates who – having bridged one gap – are now looking towards the next step of their young lives.

One would forgive a recent graduate for being nervous or even apprehensive about the future, but from the words of optimism and enthusiasm shared by valedictorians, Jeremiah Gibbs-Clarke and Arielle Forde, it would appear that the Programme’s graduates are not only confident in their plans for the future but energised by the thought of what lies in store for them.

Mr Gibbs-Clarke and Ms Forde were joined by three other special awardees who were recognised for excelling in different areas of the Programme. While Shania Peters was given the award for Best Business Plan, Jo Anndra Ottley was acknowledged as the Most Improved apprentice and Jervon Jack was recognised for being the Most Outstanding apprentice overall. As the evening progressed, it became clear that the high-spirited confidence so strongly demonstrated by the Programme’s valedictorians is actually a quality all of the graduates share in common.

Such is the impact of a Programme that counts many of the Bank’s management and scores of successful professionals among its graduates. As Republic Bank, Executive Director Derwin Howell said at the event, “Youth Link is about so much more than building work experience. It’s also about building individuals. Not just any individuals, but individuals who will one day be leaders of our society”.