Twenty-one young adults from central Trinidad seized the opportunity to prepare themselves for the world of work, through a intensive Business Etiquette Workshop organised by Methanex Trinidad Limited in collaboration with its Community Advisory Panel, made up of residents from neighbouring Couva and environs.
Hosted and facilitated by Development Consultative Centre Limited recently, the education and awareness workshop targeted students, ages 17 to 21, providing participants with essential tips to prepare for the world of work. Focus areas included self-awareness and self-management, resume writing, dressing for success and acing the interview process.
"This workshop is very timely. I heard about it through my Community Advisory Panel representative and decided I had to attend. I would like to become a flight attendant. I would like to travel the world and experience other cultures and I believe that what I have learned in this course will prepare me for that journey," said Kiran Rajkumar, 17, of Savonetta, Couva, who is awaiting her CXC examination results.
Himraj Jawahir, 20, of Windsor Park, an IT specialist at National Energy Skills Centre (NESC), believes the workshop will enable him to interact with his colleagues in a more positive way and will help him determine the future direction of his personal and career development.
Richard Dick, workshop facilitator, explained that a career "is not about simply finding a job. It is a vocation that is portable with global possibilities. In fact, there are persons from T&T who are working and living in various parts of the world." Dick pointed out that academic qualifications are important keys that open doors, but that one of the most important determinants of success is one's attitude and approach to work.
Community Advisory Panel president, Abigail Felix-Rampersad, said members felt that many young adults coming out of the school system are not adequately prepared for the world of work, hence the need for the workshop in Business Etiquette. "Our goal was to aid in the transition from student to business professional. We wanted to give them the tools to enable them to be the best fit for the career options they choose," said Felix-Rampersad.
Established in 2003, the Methanex Trinidad Community Advisory Panel comprises residents from central communities of Roystonia, Milton, Lisas Gardens and California. Members meet with Methanex representatives at least four times per year, to provide Methanex with useful insight on concerns and interests of the community.
Additionally, they have been pivotal in helping Methanex identify opportunities for significant outreach efforts in areas of education and health and safety awareness.
This workshop was one of several initiatives that Methanex has facilitated in the last 12 years for residents of its neighbouring communities, including: Certified First Aid and CPR, Self-Esteem and Career Guidance workshop, Personal Safety Awareness, Anger Management, Teenage Pregnancy Prevention and Fabric Design.