A total of 304 students have already enrolled in the newly launched Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Programme in Penal-Debe.
The vocational training course, offered by the Youth Training and Employment Partnership Programme (YTEPP), seeks to equip participants with skills in digital literacy, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
At Monday’s launch of the ICT Short Courses Programme, Chairman of the Board of Directors of YTEPP, Bishop Dr Maurice Jones, emphasised that digital skills are no longer optional but essential for the modern workplace and digital economy.
“Technology is no longer optional. Digital literacy has become a basic requirement for employment, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning. As artificial intelligence and emerging technologies continue to reshape labour markets globally, we must ensure that our citizens are prepared not merely to adapt but to succeed.”
Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training Professor Prakash Persad said bringing the courses into communities removes barriers to opportunity, making skills training more accessible to those who need it most.
“This is exactly what we are doing here. Bringing these opportunities closer to home. Now, why that matters: because too often access is the biggest barrier, not ability, not ambition, but simply not having the right opportunity within reach.”
Professor Persad added that the industry-focused courses are designed to prepare participants for employment, entrepreneurship and lifelong success.
“These areas have real value, skills that can lead somewhere, whether that’s employment, starting a small business, or even building the confidence to take on a new challenge. That shift we are focused on, moving to training that actually opens doors where individuals begin to benefit and the impact doesn’t stop there: it reaches families, it strengthens households and over time, it builds a stronger and more resilient communities.”
The ICT programme is open to participants aged 14 and older, giving more citizens the opportunity to gain future-ready digital skills close to home.