GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas — The National Training Agency (NTA) launched the 17th cohort of its Mandatory Workforce Preparatory Program on September 2nd, 2024.

Mandated to facilitate skills and competency based training needed to undergird the workforce, the NTA, which is the training arm of the government, has designed a system that provides a network of suitable training institutions, organizations and programs to develop qualified and skilled labour for The Bahamas.

NTA also offers certification from City and Guilds, a leading awarding organization for work-based qualifications which offers more than 500 qualifications through 8,500 colleges and training providers in 81 countries worldwide.

The Mandatory Workforce Preparatory Program, which stretches over 14 weeks, is free of charge and prepares individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 for the workplace, in various disciplines from housekeeping, food and beverage, office procedures to teacher’s aide.

Twenty-two young adults are registered as part of Cohort 17.

Orientation was held on Monday, September 2, 2024 in the Training Room of the Ministry for Labour and the Public Service in the Winn Building.

Cohort 17 was introduced to the facilitators, namely hospitality professional Raylene Gardiner, communications specialist Sharell Lockhart and etiquette skills trainer, Director of T.M. Group of Companies Thea Moss; and they heard testimonials from graduates of Cohort 16.

NTA Grand Bahama Manager Kenneth Miller told Cohort 17 that the aim of the program is to arm them with the essential tools necessary for seamless integration into the workplace, and stressed that it is imperative for them to strive for excellence and always be ready.

The first four weeks comprises soft skills training with leading industry experts ranging in topics from punctuality to good grooming, positive attitudes to one’s conduct, followed by 10 weeks of internship/apprenticeship in the workplace with industry partners.

At the end of the 14 weeks, participants receive NTA and various training certifications in their disciplines.

-30-

NTA COHORT 17 – The National Training Agency held orientation for its 17th cohort for the Mandatory Workforce Preparatory Program in the Training Room of the Ministry for Labour and the Public Service in the Winn Building on September 2nd, 2024.

NTA Grand Bahama Manager Kenneth Miller encouraged the participants to remember that it is not how one starts the journey but how you finish.

(BIS Photos/Lisa Davis)