Technical programs launched at Barrouallie Technical Institute

Out of school youths living in the Central and North Leeward areas who are unemployed now have opportunities to gain skills and employment in the tourism and hospitality sector.{{more}}

Now named the Barrouallie Technical Institute (Bar Tech), the former Multipurpose Centre now offers level one courses in Food and Beverage Services, Food Preparation and Housekeeping. The courses will last for 12 months and will be certified by the University of Technology of Jamaica. This means that successful students will be able to work throughout CARICOM and the wider world.

The level one programmes were launched at a ceremony at Bar Tech on Tuesday. In his address, Deputy Chief Education Officer Luis deShong said that young people still face serious difficulties integrating into the labour market and the transition from school to work is, therefore, an important area for public policy.

deShong urged the participants to work hard and aim to be successful. He also encouraged the facilitators to engage and inspire the participants so that they can derive maximum benefit from the various programmes.

Principal of Bar Tech Cleve Hadaway gave an overview of the programme. He encouraged the students to take the higher level courses up to level five when they have completed level one. “This would take you to the supervisory, managerial and professional level, “ he said. Hadaway also encouraged the participants to read and develop their communications skills. He also said that by 2010, Bar Tech will be offering four new courses in Drafting, Computing, Construction and Plumbing.

Also addressing the gathering were Project Manager in the Education Project Management Unit (EPMU) in the Ministry of Education Dunstan Johnson, and community activist Norel Hull.