The Audrey Hinchcliffe-led Manpower and Maintenance Services and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security are partnering to train and provide employment for an initial 500 youths.

The move takes place as the country seeks to restructure its workforce in the midst of the global economic crisis.

A total 10,000 youths are to be trained by year-end.

They are to be trained under the Special Youth Employment and Training project, which is a partnership with the Manpower and Maintenance-owned Institute for Workforce and Development.

The youngsters will be trained in various skills areas, including housekeeping, construction, landscaping and pest control.

Nearly 30 employers have made commitments to absorb some trainees once they complete their programme.

HEART Trust National Training Agency will monitor the programme as well as provide certification upon completion of the course.

Take steps

Launching the initiative yesterday, state minister in the labour ministry, Andrew Gallimore, emphasised that the country has to take steps to stave off the effects of the global economic downturn, and improving the skills of the workforce will no doubt be important to this mission.

The project is currently set to train youths in Kingston, but will extend to Montego Bay, Mandeville and other locations islandwide.