HEART/NSTA Trust Lines Up 400 Firms for HOPE Youth Summer Jobs

More than 400 private-sector businesses are expected to work with the HEART/NSTA Trust to offer jobs under the HOPE Youth Summer Work Programme.

Ronique Rhoden, Director of Community Engagement, told JIS News that HEART/NSTA took over the initiative after its merger with the National Youth Service (NYS). She said the programme has been running for many years and continues to deliver strong results, while helping the Trust connect with its three per cent contributors and giving young people practical workplace exposure.

Rhoden said private companies have consistently supported opportunities for youth, and the Trust is still seeking to bring more employers into the programme.

This year, HEART/NSTA is aiming to accommodate 3,000 participants. Applications close on May 30. Interested persons may apply at summerjob.heart-nsta.org or submit their forms at any HEART/NSTA Trust parish office.

The placements will run for three weeks, and participants will be paid a weekly stipend based on their education level. Fifth-form students will receive $16,000, sixth-form students will get $17,500, first- and second-year tertiary students will receive $20,500, while the amount shown for third-year tertiary and master’s students was listed as $23,.

Rhoden said HEART/NSTA is pleased to continue providing stipends and appreciates partner companies that give trainees additional financial support.

She said applicants are asked to state their preferred areas during the application process, after which the Trust matches them with employers taking part in the programme. Rhoden said the aim is to place young people, as far as possible, in sectors linked to their studies or career interests.

She added that HEART/NSTA also looks for ways to involve employers in other programmes during the year. Participants in the summer work programme will go through orientation, where they will be briefed on workplace expectations, money management and other important areas.