Cabinet has approved some exciting new changes for the On-the-Job Training (OJT) programme. The programme is designed to provide young people with the opportunity to acquire work experience in order to develop the necessary skills and attitudes for their entry or re-entry into the world of work. In keeping with the goals of Vision 2020, the programme is meant to develop a cadre of skilled persons from whom employers can source workers to match their organizational needs.

The new features of the programme features include

a. The extension of the training period for Trainees of the On-the-Job Training Programme from twelve (12) to twenty-four (24) months;

b. The offer of a further twelve-month period of training to former graduates of the Programme who have been unable to secure employment since the end of their initial period of training;

c. An increase in the levels of stipend payable to the four (4) categories of Trainees, as follows:

• Level 1: 25% increase from $1600 to $2000
• Level 2: 20% increase from $2500 to $3000
• Level 3: 25% increase from $4000 to $5000
• Level 4: 20% increase from $5000 to $6000

The programme will shortly be doing a survey of their training providers to determine if they wish their OJT trainees to continue in their current positions. Once a training provider is willing, the OJT can complete the twenty-four month training period.

The new stipend rates will come into effect from October 1, 2009.