Minister of Youth Development and National Service – the Honourable Foster Cummings (C), (From left to right) MYDNS Director Youth Affairs – Mr. Sean Ramrattan, Vehicle Management Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (VMCOTT) Chairman – Lieutenant Colonel Neil Bennett, NESC Technical Institute Campus Manager – Mr. Zaid Mohammed and MYDNS Permanent Secretary – Mr. Farook Hosein looks on as NESC representatives explain the Automotive Servicing Training.
The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS) launched the Project Drive: An Automotive Servicing Initiative Programme on Tuesday 18th April, 2023 at NESC Woodford Lodge Campus. This programme will be administered to 100 youths between 18 and 35 years old, in partnership with the NESC Technical Institute, and will promote employability and entrepreneurship through technical, vocational training.
Minister of Youth Development and National Service, the Honourable Foster Cummings, in his feature address stated, “It is held that when young people fail to realise their fullest potential, this undermines their future capabilities as adults.” Minister Cummings, emphasised the commitment of his Ministry and the importance of ensuring the holistic development of our nation’s youth.
Project Drive is aligned with Pillar Two of the National Youth Policy “Harnessing youth social and intellectual capital.” This automotive programme focuses on providing participants with the knowledge, skills and training necessary to perform preventative maintenance; diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical malfunctions. Project Drive will also feature courses such as, Financial Management and National Pride.
The objective of Project Drive is to better equip youths with the necessary skills, expertise and knowledge to personally conduct routine maintenance and empower those interested in starting a career within the automotive maintenance industry. Project Drive will be conducted across three (3) NESC Campuses located at Woodford Lodge, Point Lisas and Ste. Madeleine.
Dean at the School of Continuing Education at the NESC Technical Institute – Ms. Indra Ramkissoon, challenged students to think of their entire journey using 3 P’s “Purpose, Passion and the Power of Prayer.”
Permanent Secretary, MYDNS, Mr. Farook Hosein, Director Youth Affairs, MYDNS Mr. Sean Ramrattan, and Chairman at the Vehicle Management Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (VMCOTT) Lieutenant Colonel Neil Bennett were also in attendance and delivered remarks.
Minister of Youth Development and National Service – the Honourable Foster Cummings (C), (From Left to Right) Senator Ndale Young, Director Youth Affairs (MYDNS) – Mr. Sean Ramrattan, Chairman(VMCOTT) – Lieutenant Colonel Neil Bennett, Permanent Secretary (MYDNS) – Mr. Farook Hosein, Dean at the School of Continuing Education (NESC Technical Institute) – Ms. Indra Ramkissoon and with participants of Project Drive and other invited guest.
The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service remains committed to bringing all stakeholders together to provide programmes and services that cater to the personal and professional development of our youth.
-END-