Over 150 motivated and trained Youth@Work interns are seeking internship placements in workplaces in Honiara.
Youth@Work Program Manager Sandra Bartlett encouraged business and organisations around Honiara to consider taking an intern in their workplace.
“These interns have shown they are highly motivated and excited to find work by completing their community service and training.”
“Youth who do not satisfactorily complete these stages of the program do not progress to the internship stage.
“Providing youth with an opportunity to complete an internship contributes to youth development in our country. Many of these youth advance quickly in their workplace due to the positive and hardworking attitude they possess towards their jobs.”
Around 220 phase 7 interns recently completed two weeks of community service, followed by three weeks of intensive job and life skills training to prepare them for their 15 week internship placements.
Of these, 73 have already started their internships while Youth@Work continues to seek placements for the remaining interns.
Jacqueline Konaga who recently started her internship at Image Hair Beauty Salon said she is happy to have a job, especially as it’s something she is interested in.
“It has given me a chance to make use of my talent,” she said.
Image Hair Beauty Salon Manager Margaret Edwards said she enjoyed giving youth a chance to know what they are good at and develop their skills in whatever they’re doing.
“It is her interest to work as a hair dresser and she has been helpful in the workplace, completing tasks that were given to her.”
Andrea Ngengere is one of the interns still waiting for a placement. She is qualified with a Diploma in Business Finance with additional skills in computer studies; Word, Excel and MYOB and internet.
“I really want to work and have a job as it is my aim, but since there hasn’t yet been a placement for me, I just have to be patient,” she said.
To take on an intern email Cindy at [email protected].
Having an intern comes at no cost to the employer. Full support is provided by Youth@Work.
Youth@Work is implemented by SPC, in partnership with the Solomon Islands Ministry of National Unity, Peace and Reconciliation; the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs. Youth@Work is an initiative to tackle youth unemployment in Solomon Islands and is funded by the Australian Aid bilateral programme, with assistance from its partner ministries.
For more information about Youth@Work call 25278, email [email protected], or visit https://www.facebook.com/youthatworksolomonislands.