The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

YOUTH, Sports, and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg officially opened the Fresh Start programme in Grand Bahama on Friday, telling the 50 participants that success starts at the bottom.

“Young people of Grand Bahama, wake up. Your future is in your hands,” he said.

“Success is not something that comes lightly; it comes with hard work and determination. And starting at the bottom of the ladder does not mean you are never going to get to the top.”

The Fresh Start programme is one of the signature initiatives of the Ministry of Youth that was designed to respond to the issue of long-term unemployment, lack of job search skills, and work experience among the youth. The programme targets youth between the ages of 17-25 years who have been unsuccessful in securing employment since leaving school. This includes those laid off as a result of Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The opening ceremony was held at the Christ the King Church Hall. Mr Bowleg and Dr Robert Robertson, president of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), brought brief remarks.

Mr Bowleg said the programme will be presented in a hybrid model in combination with in-person skills classes at BTVI. He added that there would be virtual Bahama Host, OSHA, and NCCER certifications presented to participants.

The minister urged participants to take advantage of this training package.

“I am advised that this programme is always oversubscribed to nearly 100 applicants, and I want to congratulate this chosen group of 50 who will undergo 16 weeks of skills training, personal development, job readiness, and four weeks of work internship,” he said.

Mr Bowleg also said government is committed to ensuring that access and opportunities are made available to youth across the length and breadth of the Bahamas.

During his remarks, Mr Robertson told participants that skills they will gain through the Fresh Start programme would be beneficial to them.

He explained that many opportunities would be available for jobs in the country soon.

“It is going to be a very interesting time over the next six to 12 months, particularly in The Bahamas, but also worldwide,” Dr Robertson said. “We actually have American companies talk to us about needing (skilled) people as well, which reflects a global skills gap.”

Dr Roberts added: “In The Bahamas, it is very important we stay ahead of that skills gap.”

He also noted that one of the biggest technical schools in the US that recently visited The Bahamas is accepting all credits from BTVI into their programme.

“It shows you that the BTVI brand is being well respected by other institutions, not only in the US but also in Canada. And, it is important that happens because as our brand rises, your brand as a graduate of BTVI rises as well. And it makes you more marketable to employers,” he said.

According to the Ministry of Youth, more than 70 percent of graduates from the Fresh Start programme gain employment and remain employed and engaged in positive activities with many continuing their training at BTVI. In-person, training classes start today.