HEART Accepting Applications for Graduate Work Experience Programme

Jamaica News: The Human Employment and Resource Training (HEART) Trust/National Training Agency (NTA) is accepting applications for one of its Legacy programmes – the Graduate Work Experience Programme (GWEP) – which was formerly implemented under the National Youth Service (NYS).

Speaking with JIS News, Acting Senior Director of Community Service at HEART Trust/NTA, Ronique Rhoden, said the programme is targeting 500 graduates of tertiary institutions this year, who will be given the opportunity to gain employment that is critical to their career development.

She explained that the application process, which is ongoing throughout the year, is open to persons between 17 and 29 years of age and persons living with disabilities, who are between 17 and 34 years old.

Applicants should possess at least a National Vocational Qualification of Jamaica (NVQ-J), Level Four certification from the HEART Trust/NTA or an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent certification from University Council of Jamaica-accredited tertiary institutions.

The GWEP will place successful applicants within public and private-sector entities where they will be exposed to six months of work experience and receive a fortnightly stipend of $19,100.00. During the internship period, they are also required to engage in volunteerism. Ms. Rhoden pointed out that the HEART Trust/NTA is also looking for placement sites and is, therefore, encouraging corporate Jamaica to facilitate these graduates as they seek to gain well-needed work experience.

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Interested graduates are required to submit a completed application form along with proof of qualification, their Tax Registration Number (TRN), National Insurance Scheme (NIS) number, birth certificate, any government-issued identification (ID) card or school ID, and one passport-sized photograph (no more than six months old) to the HEART Trust/NTA.

Ms. Rhoden said the GWEP provides an opportunity for valuable practical work experience, personal development, career development, networking and increased employment prospects for the participants.

For further information on the GWEP, interested persons may visit http://www.heart-nta.org or call toll free 888-432-7862. They may also visit the HEART Trust/NTA’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to access information about the programme.

Source: JIS News