ECGC ‘fully on board’ with ON-SITE Programme

The Eastern Caribbean Group of Companies, (ECGC) is expected to be one of the largest businesses participating in the newly launched Offering National Support for Internship Training and Employment (ON-SITE) programme, a company release states.

ONSITE is a collaboration between the government and private sector businesses aimed at placing close to 200 interns, age 18 to 35, in jobs to gain necessary workplace skills.

Speaking at the programme launch on Thursday, January 19, chief executive officer of ECGC, Robert Cato applauded the funding arrangement for the programme, noting it will be financially beneficial for the interns.

“…to get the persons into the companies is one thing, but to also fund it is fantastic. And this is not just a little stipend from what I saw in the budget, persons are going to be paid $800, $1000, $1,500 $2,200 a month as an intern. And that is good.”

The programme is funded by the Republic of China (Taiwan), through a US$500,000 grant, along with EC $40,000 from the government.

Though not indicating how many interns will be joining ECGC when the programme officially kicks off next month, Cato said the ON-SITE programme falls in line with the expansion plans the company has outlined for 2023.

“I do say that we were prepared to pay people and I think I have no doubt that coming out of this programme some of those persons are going to become permanent employees at ECGC.

“ The timing is perfect. We’re in the midst of a transformation at ECGC, simply put, our ambition is to double the size of this business.”

Cato spoke to plans announced in 2022 for the expansion of the flour mill. He said ECGC expects to break ground on this project in February and hopefully complete it within a year.

“What that does is it’s going to increase our capacity about 35 per cent…”

Cato said the company plans to be “intentional with the persons who join ECGC” from the ON-SITE programme, explaining that the head of department where interns are assigned will be responsible for their mentorship.

“…we’re not just going to drop you into a department and ask you to swim…we are going to make sure that we do three things. We’re going to coach you, we’re going to challenge you, and we’re also going to give you the confidence to let you know that we believe you can do this.”

The deadline for the ON-SITE programme has been extended until January 27, 2023.