Young people get boost from job placements

Officials and staff of the Department of Employment
Relations’ and Cayman Airways stand behind Sheallion
Powell-Edwards

Thursday, June 17, 2004

Partnerships among government departments will help the islands’ young people to build a better future for themselves, said the Department of Employment Relation’s Programme Development Officer, Jean Solomon.

Referring to the co-operation between the Department of Family and Children Services’ Young Parents Programme (YPP) and the Department of Employment Relations’ (DER) summer job placement programme, Ms Solomon said: “Partnerships are very important, as we found that we get so much more done when working together.”

Teenage mothers who find themselves without help can turn to YPP at the Joyce Hylton Family Life Centre, where they can continue their education.
Employment Relations’ staff members visit the centre regularly, helping young mothers to write resumes and prepare for job interviews.

“An unexpected pregnancy is a setback, but we teach young mothers that it is not the end of the line for them. We help them to pick up their self-esteem, set goals and dream their dreams,” said one of the programme’s teachers, Ms Joanna Clarke.

“We then help them prepare for the future with career talks and job placements organised by DER,” she added.

Sheallion Powell-Edwards, a young mother who thought her life was virtually over when she found out she was pregnant, is an example of how inter-departmental partnerships can improve lives.

“A year ago my marriage fell apart and with no family on the island, I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. But then a friend told me about the Young Parents Programme,” she said.

Today Sheallion, the proud mother of a three-month-old boy, holds down a full-time job as receptionist for Cayman Airways. Although the position is only temporary, she hopes to become a flight attendant for the airline.

“Both the YPP and DER helped me to help myself. To other single, young mothers out there I want say: ‘Stick to it and don’t ever give up.’”

Sheallion first started work at Cayman Airways in 2003 as part of a work experience programme at the YPP centre and was placed in the in-flight department.

Commenting on her dedication in the workplace, Cayman Airways’ Human Resources Manager Joyce Groskreutz said she would definitely consider Sheallion for the next intake of flight attendants, as well as any other opening within the company.

“As one of the biggest employers on the island, we want to give something back to the community by helping students and young mothers get a foothold in the workplace,” she added.

Last year DER awarded Cayman Airways for being the second largest employer of students and young mothers in summer jobs.

This year the airline challenged other businesses to meet its commitment to the programme: “We hope to be first this year,” said Ms Groskruetz.

According to Ms Solomon, DER has already placed 20 students in various businesses for this summer. Some 81 applicants are still waiting for their job placements.

She urged businesses to give students a chance: “It is important that we foster a development programme for our young people, to secure the future of these islands.

“The summer job placement programme gives students a chance to do more than put money in their pockets. It helps to instill discipline and develop a sense of pride while learning at work.”

For more information, students and businesses can call Ms Solomon on 945-3114.

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