St Kitts and Nevis

The Ministry of Education of St. Kitts and Nevis places special emphasis on the eradication of poverty and has therefore put programs in place in line with their position.

Institutions like schools, the college of further education and more recently the non-formal youth skills training project help prepare youths for employment.

Recently, specialized financial institutions like the Foundation for National Development and the Development Bank have become more involved in assisting students of various levels. Students are offered to further their education in order to have improved employment opportunities. However, this type of assistance plays a central role, it is somewhat limited only to those who are academically inclined. The Foundation for National Development specializes mainly in loans for small enterprises and for self-employment. They would also give advice where necessary for the creation of small business and they would organize workshops and seminars for their clients. The Development Bank works on a larger scale than the Foundation. Student loans can be applied for and this covers training leading from a certificate to a university degree.

Youth Skills was established in St. Kitts and Nevis in 1985 with the objective of alleviating unemployment through training for employable skills. This is a more direct approach to employment preparation which caters for students ages 16-25 who are less academically inclined. Various basic skills are taught for short periods (at least 3 months of attachment or on the job training). During the course, a stipend of $40.00 is given to students to cover expenses. Recently, the course has been including components in contemporary disciplines, such as the information superhighway, so trainees can attain skills for today's market. After training, students find jobs and are placed in these at about 65-90% placement rate.

The Department of Labor also assists in job placement through its agency. Prospective workers would register at this agency for work and when an employer requests workers the Department places them. The Department also has a bi-monthly program that highlights work related expectations. Various topics are aired with regard to workers and employer's rights. This program educates prospective employees, the working population and employers of their rights and obligations.

Finally, the Department of Labor hold regular sessions at schools which prepare students for the world of work. Topics discussed include vital and current issues related to work. Subjects like customer relations, positive work attitudes, punctuality, absenteeism and its effect and serving the public. In addition, counseling services are provided which encourage workers to adapt positive work attitudes and to be responsible and productive employees.