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Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 17, 2017 (SKNIS): The Government of National Unity has taken measures to ensure that interns in the Skills Training Empowerment Programme (STEP) are exposed to the proper skills training in their respective fields, give value for money in terms of their productivity, and are educated on and display the appropriate ethics to succeed in the world of work.

 

These terms and more are outlined in a Tripartite Agreement signed by Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Osbert DeSuza on behalf of STEP, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Vincent Hodge on behalf of the National Skills Training Programme (NSTP) and Anthony Evelyn, the chair of the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council. The document was signed on Thursday (February 16) during a ceremony to launch STEP previously known as the People Employment Programme (PEP).

 

“This document speaks specifically to the roles and responsibilities of each of the parties that is involved,” Mr. DeSuza stated, as the senior official leading STEP. “It speaks to the meetings, reporting, evaluations, and graduations. “It speaks to basically to all aspects of this training that we are about to undertake.”  

 

This also includes soft skills often referred to as people skills. This will help to improve the communication, discipline and teamwork abilities of each individual, which can be used in their personal and professional lives, alongside the more hands on training involved, such as the 18th edition training for electricians-to-be involved with the programme.

 

The interns will undergo training in electrical, plumbing, air conditioner maintenance, carpentry, food and beverage, landscaping, mechanic, bartending and housekeeping. The areas were chosen from a list of interest areas provided by the interns and with input from the Department of Labour that factored in the demands of the labour market.