Republic Bank Honours 33 Young Apprentices

Caption: Republic Bank's Executives, pose with Stephenie Boodoo, Allana Forbes and Ria Dominique, who received special awards at the graduation ceremony of the 2011/2012, Republic Bank Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme, held on Tuesday May 8, at the Bank's Park Street office. Missing in the photo is Best All Round Youth Link Apprentice Geneve Loutan.

Port of Spain, Trinidad, May 10, 2012 - Emotions ran high as young Attorney and inspirational speaker Veera Bhajan, delivered a moving speech to 33 young apprentices who graduated from the Republic Bank Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme 2011/2012. The event was held on May 8, at the Bank’s Park Street office.

The seven (7) month programme was targeted to fifth form graduates of the Business Studies stream, between the ages of 16 -19 years.

One of the programme's objectives was to equip the participants with the basic tools to engender marketable skills in business-related disciplines, with the aim of improving their career options.

Delivering the Bank's address, David Dulal-Whiteway, Managing Director, Republic Bank Limited commended the participants on their excellent performance and zeal shown towards the programme.

"Your excellent performance was a clear indication that you took up your task with zeal, dedication and commitment," Dulal-Whiteway said.

He also encouraged them to utilize all that was taught during the programme to help develop their career potential.

Bhajan, who delivered the feature speech at the ceremony, had the audience almost moved to tears, as she shared a testimony of her life, being born without arms. She encouraged the young people to believe in themselves and always focus on being the best they can be.

"Make the best of every single day of your life and always remember to use all the challenges that may come your way, to motivate you to succeed."

The programme content also featured motivational sessions by Pastor Clive Dottin, financial advice from the National Financial Literacy Programme, starting and managing a Small Business conducted by the Business Development Company Limited and Rapport, who shared valuable and insightful information on HIV/ Aids.

Also speaking at the ceremony was Republic Bank's General Manager, Human Resources, Charmaine Caballero.

Certificates of participation were distributed to all the Apprentices, along with four special awards, which were presented to those who excelled in various areas of the programme.

The Republic Bank Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme is a demonstration of the Bank's commitment to the development of the young people in Trinidad and Tobago.