Youth Week activities continued on Wednesday 16th August, 2023 with a Youth Entrepreneurship Market and Career Prep at the National Academy for Performing Arts, Port of Spain. From 10:00 a.m., scores of young people attended the second Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS) event.
“I am very excited about Youth Week. This is our second event. Yesterday, we were at the University of the West Indies for the Youth Work Conference. Today we are here to support young people in Entrepreneurship and young people who are seeking to advance their careers. I am so delighted to see so many young people on display and taking this step,” said the Honourable Foster Cummings, Minister of Youth Development and National Service.
The Youth Entrepreneurship Market featured over sixty (60) youth entrepreneurs and innovators, to promote their businesses and concepts, as well as market their respective products and services. These young entrepreneurs were given booths to showcase their products and network with their peers, to create further opportunities for growth and development.
The Career Prep element included booths from various agencies including Career Finders TT, Jobs TT and the On-the-Job Training Programme. Training agencies such as the MIC Institute of Technology, YTEPP Limited and private training agencies were present to guide young people in their professional pursuits. The Career Prep aspect of the day was also supported by information sessions, which covered four main aspects: Dressing for the Workplace for Men; Makeup and Dressing for Workplace for Women; Interview Tips & Resume Writing and Networking & Soft Skills.
“This was not just a bunch of people talking. I particularly enjoyed the sessions where people came and spoke about networking, resumé do’s and dont’s. In the question segment, any unanswered questions I had were definitely clarified. That aspect was very unique. I do feel more prepared career-wise. Now I am interested to put these things into practice,” said Bryanna Atwell, a young participant at the event.
“It was really informative. I learnt new skills in resumé writing and networking. I like how these persons came and shared their professional experiences. I enjoyed the booths with the small businesses who were promoting their services. So, when I decide to start a small business, I will remember these tips.” Gershom Ayum of the Pleasantville Police Youth Club.
The MYDNS is hosting Youth Week 2023 as a series of youth-focused activities in observance of International Youth Day (IYD). Youth Week 2023 is a three-day extravaganza, that aims to empower our young citizens and drive them towards positive action; and expose them to opportunities that cater to their current and emerging personal and professional needs.
Youth Week 2023 culminates with Youth on the Stage on Thursday 17th August, 2023 at Grand Stand, Queens Park Savannah from 4:00 p.m.
The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service remains committed to bringing all stakeholders together to promote youth development and encourages civic-minded citizens to contribute to national service across Trinidad and Tobago.
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