The Caribbean Regional Communications Infrastructure Program (CARCIP), has facilitated free Information and Communications Technology (ICT) training and certification for unemployed youth.

The initiative falls under ICT skills development program, part of the Government of Saint Lucia's objective to increase economic growth by enhancing productivity and technical expertise within the local ICT sector.

The program, undertaken in collaboration with the International American University (IAU) located in Vieux-Fort, began on Feb. 1.

Vieux Fort mayor, Winall Joshua, said the program will provide much needed opportunities for unemployed youth in the south.

“This has come at a time when there is a desperate need for employment not just in Vieux Fort, but for young people [in general], and through this CARCIP program hopefully all [students] at the end of this training will be qualified and able to secure some form of employment."

CARCIP Coordinator Chris Roberts, encouraged the students to make the most of the opportunity.

“The world is changing very rapidly, and you need to try to be as creative as possible when you apply the things that you learn."

IAU will offer regional and international certification in six different ICT courses: Database Management, Multimedia Production, Information Communication Technology, Computer Maintenance and Repair, Systems Analysis and Design, and Internet Security.

The program eligibility requirements include a minimum of three CXC’s, one year of experience in the course of interest, and an age range of 17 to 35.