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Growth & Jobs | Forklift trainees embrace promising paths thanks to D&G Foundation

Published:Tuesday | October 24, 2023 | 12:05 AM
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As the programme’s Most Outstanding Trainee, Junior Lawrence heads to the stage as co-chair of Project STAR, Keith Duncan, congratulates him on his excellent performance. The forklift graduation ceremony was hosted last month at Red Stripe’s Spanish To
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As the programme’s Most Outstanding Trainee, Junior Lawrence heads to the stage as co-chair of Project STAR, Keith Duncan, congratulates him on his excellent performance. The forklift graduation ceremony was hosted last month at Red Stripe’s Spanish Town Road brewery.
‘Most Improved Trainee’ Shenel Coke, proudly accepts her award from DECS Management & Logistics Services Limited’s Operations Manager Major Marlon Kennedy at the programme’s graduation ceremony last month.
Contributed
‘Most Improved Trainee’ Shenel Coke, proudly accepts her award from DECS Management & Logistics Services Limited’s Operations Manager Major Marlon Kennedy at the programme’s graduation ceremony last month.
“Believe nuh, man!” said Nicko Rhoden as he delivers an encouraging and relatable speech to his fellow graduates. Rhoden was also named the Apex Civic Awardee.
Contributed
“Believe nuh, man!” said Nicko Rhoden as he delivers an encouraging and relatable speech to his fellow graduates. Rhoden was also named the Apex Civic Awardee.
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AFTER ENDURING a training journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and a strong sense of camaraderie among each other, 20 young individuals have successfully graduated from the forklift training programme sponsored by the Desnoes and Geddes (D&G) Foundation. Now, as these newly minted graduates set out to seize internship opportunities and prepare for full-time employment, they take a moment to reminisce about their transformative journey, highlighting their challenges, growth, and profound appreciation.

Thirty-two-year-old Junior Lawrence from Parade Gardens is a hard-working single father who remains diligent and committed to all his professional opportunities. Lawrence was recognised as the ‘Most Outstanding Trainee’ who remained focused throughout the programme while assisting others with transportation and course content.

“During the days, I’m typically in the garage hustling for my children, and when it was time to start my training, I was preparing for back-to-school, so that was the main challenge I faced. Thankfully, I got some support from my children. I drove myself and some of my other colleagues to the training site throughout the day, and we worked hard to finish successfully. The opportunity was more than worth it for me because I have a skill that is now in demand, and I look forward to a full-time job and more professional opportunities.”

As other trainees overcame personal difficulties that could have hindered their success in the programme, the ‘Most Improved Trainee’, Shenel Coke, said her challenge was operating the machinery.

“I struggled with operating the machine, and for a while, I was a bit concerned about my result, but our programme coordinator, Mr Pottinger, was very patient with me and allowed me to redeem myself. That time, I knew I wanted to get it right, and with the help of my classmates, especially Nicko Rhoden, I finished successfully, and now I’m learning even more during my internship.”

Speaking on behalf of his classmates, valedictorian and ‘Apex Civic Awardee’ Nicko Rhoden expressed his profound gratitude to all sponsoring organisations for acknowledging underprivileged youth and believing in them enough to offer such a tremendous opportunity.

“We are so thankful to everyone who brought us to this point of certification. They believed in us, gave us a shot, and elevated our qualifications to put us in a better position. I want to encourage the D&G Foundation, Project STAR, and DECS Management & Logistics Services Limited not to let this remain a pilot programme. Allow it to grow and continue to do a great job at helping the youths. To all interested in the programme, take advantage of the opportunity and give it 103 per cent.”

The forklift training programme was developed through a collaborative effort by the Desnoes & Geddes (D&G) Foundation, DECS Management & Logistics Services Limited, and Project STAR to introduce a training and certification programme for forklift operators. Five graduates have already received full-time employment in partnership with DECS Management & Logistics Services Limited, and the foundation is actively working to have the remaining class placed. All graduates are guaranteed to receive full-time employment.