Prince’s Trust International, a new international youth charity, officially launched in 2015, has already seen first-hand how they are having a positive impact on the lives of young people. With projects running in Europe, India, Canada and the Middle East, Prince’s Trust International established itself in the Caribbean earlier this year launching the ‘Get Into’ employability programme in Barbados with the aim of helping disadvantaged young people on the island gain vital sector-specific skills. The first wave of students from the “Get Into Logistics” have all graduated with flying colours.
Kestrel Liner Agencies were obvious partners for this scheme. They are a leading specialist when it comes to logistics and in particular shipping to the Caribbean. Mark Davidian from Kestrel was on hand last week to present the graduation certificates and listen to the young people talk of their experiences so far.
“I was very honoured to attend the Prince’s Trust International event and to meet this first wave of students – an inspiring group of enthusiastic, energetic young people looking to find a start and hopefully build a career in logistics. As the future of our industry, they need to be given a chance. The benefits from this programme are already being realised in Barbados and we look forward to seeing the programme expand across the Caribbean region.” Mark Davidian, Kestrel Liner Agencies.
The main focus of the programme was the Port of Bridgetown and the young people taking part received on-the-job training through work placements. During the graduation ceremony each pupil spoke of their experiences working and learning with their respective employers over the previous 5 weeks. And the programme has worked, so far eight of the trainees taking part have been offered permanent full time positions, with an expectation that more will follow. A great boost for the freight forwarding and logistics industry in Barbados which is set for a rapid growth.
“Here at Kestrel, we were so impressed with our trainee Orian that we didn’t hesitate in offering her a full time position. Her commitment and dedication throughout the five weeks was testament to the impact of these programmes and are vital in giving young people chances that would often be unavailable to them. We are looking forward to welcoming Orian to our team and hopefully this will be the first of many additions to the Kestrel Group.” Concludes Mark.
Kestrel Liner Agencies has a long history of shipping to the Caribbean. With offices around the world they are a leading freight forwarder and liner agency and represent several shipping lines. Orian will be working from the offices in Barbados where she will be immersed in all aspects of freight forwarding.
“Six weeks ago I knew nothing about shipping! In five weeks I have learnt so much. I now know terms such as FCL and LCL. I am looking forward to finding out so much more about the shipping and logistics industry. I am particularly looking forward to seeing a product on the shelves in Barbados knowing that I played a part in importing it.”
Prince’s Trust International has also delivered a very successful ‘Get Into Hospitality’ programme, sponsored by Kestrel and is currently delivering the ‘Team’ programme in partnership with the Royal Barbados Police. ‘Team’, which is currently supporting 15 young people, is an intensive 12-week programme which supports young people, who are not yet ready for employment, to develop their confidence, teamwork and skills through a residential week, a community project and work placements.
For more information on shipping to the Caribbean please see here or contact Kestrel Liner Agencies at sales@kestrel.com. For more information on Prince’s Trust International please visit
http://princestrustinternational.org/
