FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, May 24, 2024 — Under the theme “Preparation is Key,” 47 participants graduated from the Fresh Start Program on Grand Bahama. on Friday, May 17. Their trade areas included: Information Technology, General Maintenance (Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing & Masonry), PreschBool Aide and Medical Assistance. The program consisted of 16 weeks of skills training, personal development and workplace internship.
Trainers were BTVI (Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute) and BIBT (Bahamas Institute of Business Technology). In addition to course completion from the skills trainers, graduates acquired certification in Bahama Host, Osha Safety, CPR & First Aid and Digital Training, including cloud & cybersecurity, java script, python, business analytics with excel and Microsoft azure.
In attendance were the Hon. Mario K. Bowleg, Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture; the Hon. Ginger M. Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama; Under Secretary Dr. Bridgette Rolle; AsstIstant. Director of Youth: Rashard Ritchie and other senior officers from the Ministry. Both Ministers congratulated the graduates on their achievements and pledged their continued support in their growth and development as they offer themselves to the Labour Force.
The Ministry of Youth’s Fresh Start Program, in which unemployed young people are trained is various skills to secure entry level jobs, is coordinated by Youth Services Coordinator Carla Brown-Roker, who has coordinated the program since 2013.
The four-month initiative is offered in both Freeport and Nassau. Phases of the Program include skills training, personal development and workplace internship. The program began in 1999 and has evolved into its current state, where tertiary level institutions such as BTVI and BIBT are used as skills trainers.
The Graduation was held on Friday, May 17, with The Hon. Ginger Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama, and the Hon. Mario Bowleg, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, offering words of encouragement.
During the awards ceremony, the Carpentry Class presented wooden benches made in class to the Grand Bahama Sports Complex.
