The National Consultation on Retirees Returning to Work, a four-part series which ended yesterday, is not a political gimmick but a programme to respond to the labour shortages, lack of experience, mentorship and knowledge in the workplace.
This was according to Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training Fazal Karim. Karim was speaking to the Sunday Guardian at the fourth consultation which took place at the National Energy Skills Centre, Point Lisas Campus, Point Lisas, Couva.
“I see this as empowering young boys and girls, those who have acquired jobs so that the experiences of the past (combined with those) of the present could make a better person now in their workplaces.
“I see this as well to ensure that we continue to sustain the development of this country as a competitive nation where we bring experience and knowledge into employment, and this is what it is about,” Karim said.
Addressing over 150 retirees in yesterday’s consultation, Karim invited them to share their experience and help the new recruits.
He also offered a proposal to retirees returning to learning: “Any programme within the context of what we could afford in the Gate programme, I give you the assurance that I will approve it for you to go back and learn.”
Karim said the recommendations for the implementation of the programme would be submitted for the consideration of Cabinet soon.
More info:
The Central Statistical Office indicated that an estimated 13 per cent of the national population or 177,589 nationals are 60 years and over. The Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, through the National Training Agency, is engaging the public to develop a framework where the aid of retirees could be enlisted to support human capital formation. The framework will explore the objectives, performance measures, assessment practices, management approaches, among other areas, to implement the Retirees Returning to Work programme.