Graeme Fletcher will represent the Quinn Company on the Project Steering Committee for New Life Organisation (NEWLO) for the second phase of the Caribbean Youth Empowerment Programme.  In an effort to tackle the growing problems of youth unemployment in the Caribbean, the Caribbean Youth Empowerment Program (CYEP) funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was established in October 2008 by the International Youth Foundation (IYF), a Youth Development organization based in Baltimore, United States of America. CYEP is designed to provide youth at-risk, ages 17-25, access to the job market and sustainable livelihood pathways that will prepare them to play positive roles within the workforce, their families and their communities.

The project involves the provision of training in Life Skills, Remedial Education (English and Math), nine Vocational Skill areas, Internship, Job Placement Services and Psychosocial Support on need bases to youth at risk to facilitate employment.

A total of 16 interns started their six week internship in Quinn Company during the months of April and May 2013.  The interns from NEWLO are part of the Caribbean Youth Empowerment Programme (CYEP) and are studying for a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in General Construction.  The TAMCC interns came to QuinnCo from both the St. Georges Tanteen Campus as well as the St. Patricks’ Training Centre. 

The students in St. Patricks are also completing the field placement requirements for the NVQ in General Construction while the St. Georges students are fulfilling the requirements for the Associates Degree in Building Technology.  QuinnCo supports the efforts of both these organization in skills development of the nation’s youth and utilizes the opportunity to retain talented individuals based on current job needs.