Males make up 95% of 2008 Portmore Heart Trust graduating class were males

Rasbert Turner, Portmore Star Writer

It was a historic occasion, in more ways than one, as 95 per cent of the graduating class of 2008, in five skilled areas, from the Heart Trust in Portmore, were males.

This revelation was made by Chairman of the National Council on Education and adviser to the Ministry of Education, Ruel Reid.

Reid, who addressed the graduation at the Portmore Heart Academy, told graduates it was pleasing to see males dominating vocational skills for Exit Readiness 2008 programme.

"It is good to see that the males have stepped up their game, knowing that the survival of Jamaica depends a whole lot on their input, and it also shows that they have realised that their female counterparts are doing well in every area, so clap yourselves," Reid said.

The 158 graduates, who completed the nine-month programme, in areas of furniture making, electrical installation, general construction and early childhood care and development, were told the world now demands persons, who have certification and that the Heart Trust/NTA is recognised worldwide, so their efforts would not have been in vain.

sole female

Of the more than 20 females graduating, Denise McDonald was the sole participant in furniture making, and she told THE PORTMORE STAR why she chose this field.

"My father was involved in furniture making and it has done him well and, although I want to be an architect, you have to start somewhere, and I am thankful for the assistance. It has put me on the right path," she said. McDonald had earlier presented Reid with a folding beach chair. Senior Career Development Officer at Heart Trust, Suzette Witter, endorsed the programme as a meaningful one.

She said Heart Trust would continue to do its best in training people to suit the working industry.

It was also revealed that the Portmore Heart academy has contributed significantly to the building industry.