A group of 10 young men graduated on Friday from an eight-week training programme designed to provide at-risk youth in Antigua and Barbuda with practical skills and a renewed sense of purpose.
The initiative, facilitated by the Department of Environment, is part of the government’s “second chance” drive to support young people facing social and economic challenges. Graduates received certificates at a ceremony marking the end of the apprenticeship scheme.
The training focused on teaching participants to use power tools safely and to install hurricane shutters—skills officials say will benefit communities during the storm season.
“We don’t want to lose that culture of being able to help people,” one official explained, encouraging the graduates to apply their training to assist elderly residents in their neighbourhoods.
The programme was guided by mentor Michelle Jeremiah, founder of the Mitch League, with daily supervision from lead task officer Troy Dowie and contractor Derek John. Several participants spoke of the camaraderie developed during the process, describing the journey as challenging but rewarding.
Junior Health Minister Michael Joseph, who recalled his own teenage involvement with the Department of Environment, urged the graduates to use their new skills to improve their lives and consider careers in areas such as green energy.
“Sometimes you take for granted the impact that it’s going to have on your life,” he said. “If each and every one of you take the skills that you learn here and apply them, wherever you can go, it’s up to you.”
The scheme has been hailed by participants as a vital second opportunity, with hopes that more young men will benefit from similar programmes in the future.
