The Market Access and Rural Enterprise Development Programme (MAREP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Religious Affairs, began 2 new Vocational and Skills Training (VST) courses for a total of 40 rural young men and women.
The Food Preparation & Cookery course commenced on 29 February 2016, at the Grenville Home Economic Centre in Grenville, St Andrew. The Agro Food Processing course commenced on 14 March 2016, at the Produce Chemist Lab in Tanteen, St George. These skills and vocational training are in keeping with MAREP’s commitment to rural development to provide access to employment opportunities and assistance with job placement in competitive field.
Approximately ECD$160,000 will be spent for the 40 selected trainees to receive the 8-month training. This includes 6 months theoretical (in class practical activities) and 2 months of On-The-Job Apprenticeship/Placement Training.
On successful completion of the competency based courses, the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) Level II will be presented to each trainee, to make them eligible to qualify for employment in the Hospitality, Food Science and Commercial Food Preparation Sectors within the Caribbean.
MAREP is therefore proud to reaffirm its commitment in delivering community-based programs to provide knowledge/skills to rural youth to become motivated and pursue jobs within these sectors. This in turn will translate to development and sustainable livelihoods.
MAREP