Class isn’t in session as yet for the new school year, but some students have already learned a lesson or two at their on-the-job training apprenticeship programme and their big test was showing off their work at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture summer trade on Friday.

The youngsters, ages 15-19, spent four weeks working with private business owners building skills in agriculture, baking, cosmetology and upholstery.

Recent high school graduate Astreya Clarke specialized in manicures and pedicures during the programme.

“If you were to get acrylics or tips, we would prep your fingernails. Give it enough nutrients it need, help fix problems that you would have with your natural nails,” Clarke said as she recounted some of the responsibilities of her job.

Although she will be studying environmental engineering in college, she sees herself working as she added, “I’m a people’s person firstly, so I love helping people and doing anything that makes other people happy. If I find joy in that.”

Youth Officer and Programme Supervisor John Darville recognized that the programme “gave them a new lease on life.”

“We have a number of young people who perhaps may have not met the standard for BGCSE/BJC qualifications of the high school level,” Darville said.

He added that “a lot of young people before this were challenged with issues personal to them that were financial related.”

According to Darville, the youngsters now have a new hope that there is something that they can do to be actively and positively engaged and gainfully employed.

More evident than their skills, were the participant’s personal growth.

“I was shy at first.  I didn’t really know much people like that. So when I came here, we had to open up. We played games. We did a little practices. We had meetings and within that I really got real friendly with people,” Jadan Wilkson, a participant, said.

Drew Elizabeth Vale of St. Augustine’s College found that she grew since being in the programme.

“I grew a lot because before this I was actually antisocial and I don’t like talking to people like that, but I made plenty new friends,” Elizabeth said.

When asked if they see a future starting their own business, the participants answered with a resounding “yes.”