Ms Moana Mackey, MP, of New Zea- land, (forefront of picture) with fellow delegates in Workshop H.
market information and services and work experience are recognized as key factors in raising employability for successful insertion in the labour market. The programmes and services
offered in Trinidad and Tobago to enhance youth employability are:
• Reform of educational curricula from early childhood care and educa- tion to secondary school. • Free tertiary education – through government assistance for tuition, students are able to access tertiary education at the undergraduate level free of charge at both private and public tertiary level institutions. • Workforce Assessment Centres – These centres serve as serve as skills assessment and recognition facilities designed to increase access to and participation in post-secondary education and training using a system of prior learning assessment and recognition to assess and certify
competencies gained through non- formal means. • Skills Development Programmes – Most of these programmes are targeted at youths.
Skills development programmes Trinidad offers the following examples of programmes to develop skills.
• Youth Training and Employment Programmes – This programme pro- vides training in career enhancement services, inclusive of numeracy and literacy skills, vocational skills training and entrepreneurial and attitudinal training. • Multi-Sector Skills Training Pro- gramme – Under this programme, training is provided in construction, hospitality and tourism for eligible citizens. Construction sector trainees receive training at construction sites and on other construction related projects.
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• Youth Apprenticeship Programme in Agriculture – This programme places young people as interns in a range of successful private and public sector agricultural enterprises to develop skills in farm management, production of crops and livestock and ornamental horticulture.
There is a rich mix of policies and programmes involving both private and public sector contribution which has been propelling entrepreneurship in Trinidad and Tobago with particular focus on youth in micro and small enterprises and co-operatives. As part of the effort of promoting
decent work for all, the Trinidadian government has been intensifying its outreach programmes aimed at educating persons on rights and responsibilities in the workplace. This is being complimented by actions aimed at strengthening the labour inspection functions to enforce labour laws effectively to protect all workers
including young persons from exploitation.
Preparation for the workplace Unemployment in the United Kingdom was seen as a problem for all age groups, including young people. Advances in technology constantly change job requirements and do away with many types of jobs in some sectors. Programmes could focus on
helping young people to prepare themselves to get jobs, including education and training courses and assistance to show how to present themselves at interviews. Finding voluntary work was recommended so there are no gaps in young people’s activities between leaving school and finding a job. The need to change people’s views of acceptable employment was mentioned, so people, especially young people, do not sit at home instead of taking menial jobs.