On Monday, 2 December 2013, 23 young people seeking to improve their chances of employability became the 12th cohort to graduate from the employment preparedness programme Passport2Success (P2S).

This was the third group this year to complete the 12-week programme. Participants received practical hands-on training in occupational, personal and job-specific skills. They participated in work placement, an opportunity to impress potential employers and provided volunteer work through community service hours. Participants earned a monthly stipend, including potential performance related bonuses.

Programme Coordinator Shannon Seymour said the program has continued to attract a growing number of applicants, “we received over 50 applications for the 25 spaces available for Cohort 12.  This speaks volumes of the need and desire to acquire these kinds of skills, and reflects the positive reputation of the P2S programme.”

Now in its third year, P2S has prepared over 240 young Caymanians to enter the work force with professional-level competencies and renewed confidence.

On average 85 percent of participants complete the programme, with approximately 35 percent having already securing employment by graduation, and 61 percent within a year of graduation. In the 12 months post-graduation, 18 percent of graduates also report furthering their education.

Minister of Education, Hon. Tara Rivers, Chief Officer Mary Rodrigues, Deputy Chief Officers Christen Suckoo and Dr. Tasha Ebanks-Garcia, sponsors, internship providers and family members, were among the guests at the ceremony at the Wharf Restaurant.

During the luncheon, participants described how the programme helped them to improve their professional and personal skills. Graduate Yakanee Watson said, “I know the skills I’ve learned will be used in both my personal and professional life and I look forward to what the future will bring.” Classmate Tamara Hernandez added, “It was an honour to be a participant, and I will carry the knowledge and experience I learned with me throughout my life.”

Along with celebrating the graduates, P2S recognized each of the sponsors for their continued contribution ensuring the programme’s success. Among those in attendance were Kirk Freeport, Webster Tours and Century 21. Webster Tours generously provides transportation to participants to attend classes and for group excursions during the programme.  Kirk Freeport provides gift bags for the special awards at every graduation, and  helps to teach participants about dress and grooming in the workplace.

Commenting on the programme, Minister Rivers remarked, “The Passport2Success programme provides an excellent opportunity for young people to develop professional skills and build confidence as they enter the workforce.  The P2S programme continues to deliver in its ability to provide these young people with a considerable competitive advantage in gaining access to jobs.”

For more information regarding the P2S programme, as well as application forms and start dates for the next cohort, visit www.passport2success.ky or Passport2Success Cayman Islands on Facebook. The programme is a Ministry of Education initiative that is sponsored by Butterfield Bank and Webster’s Tours.

Photos by captions Photo by GIS

Hon. Tara Rivers, Minister of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs, Mrs. Mary Rodrigues, Chief Officer, Christen Suckoo and Dr. Tasha Ebanks-Garcia, Deputy Chief Officers, Shannon Seymour, P2S Programme Coordinator; Hylton Grace, P2S Programme Facilitator with programme sponsors and the 23 graduates of P2S Cohort #12.