The Bahamas

Programs that assist youths in The Bahamas are divided into three sections namely the tertiary training programs, industry based programs and school based initiatives. There are also some programs in place that assist youths with funding but do not fall into any of the three categories mentioned above.

The tertiary training programs, which focus on older youths, include training in the following areas:

The Industrial Training College - Provides job skills training in a number of relevant disciplines but focuses specifically on garment making, construction trades, and crafts.

The Bahamas Hotel Training College - Trains students in hotel service and management. Graduates fill positions in the tourism sector, the number one industry of the country.

The Apprenticeship Board - Ensures that students from The Bahamas Hotel Training College continue to receive relevant on-the-job training and also coordinate full time employment in the industry after completion of studies.

The second division, the industry based initiatives, includes The Bahamas Employment Exchange and the cooperative movement. These initiatives revolve around the need for job placement assistance and professional interest groups. The Bahamas Employment Exchange for example, serves as a primary focal point for registry and placement of youth into the labor market. It acts as a type of registrar for young people to facilitate the search for full-time employment. Officers from this program provide placement follow-up services to employers/employees to maximize the employees chance for ongoing employment.

The Cooperative Movement, on the other hand, is used to promote and enhance like interest among professions and increase awareness of other job opportunities in the market. It serves as a type of extension program for skilled craftsmen and tradesmen in The Bahamas. This program gives youths access to a wide range of services and assists them in job placement.

The school based initiatives which constitute the third division, starts training young people in the earlier stages of education. Programs of this sort include the following:

-Business Basics - This program is geared towards providing young people with a fuller understanding of what is entailed in operating and managing a business by allowing youths to participate in simulated activities including the use of a wide range of business concepts.

-Junior Achievement - This program reaches thousands of young people and provides them with a micro opportunity to participate in the field of business

-Technical Cadet Corps - Provides selected high school juniors and seniors with an accelerated opportunity in the fields of engineering. This two-year program takes youths through a rigorous program of hands on training and development in all aspects of engineering.

-Royal Bahamas Police Cadet Training Program - trains youths in police training and offers the benefit of early acceptance into the force.

-The Bahamas Development Bank - Facilitates and manages loans provided to entrepreneurs by the government. This bank allows entrepreneurs to enjoy the wide range of services offered.

-The Youth Enterprise Center - This center primarily assists entrepreneurs through the start-up and research services as well as assists entrepreneurs in accessing loan services.

-The Youth Enterprise Project - This project is targeted towards providing young people with appropriate skills, information and training for entrance into the world of entrepreneurship. Upon graduation, services such as post loan counseling and mentorship are offered.