Over 60 Graduate from LIU Skills Program  

Today, the Leadership Intervention Unit celebrated over sixty graduates from a three-month program at the Tubal Trade and Vocational School. The students trained in trades including AC and refrigeration, electrical, cosmetology, and catering and hospitality. It was a celebratory occasion and News Five was there to capture the smiles. Zenida Lanza reports.

 

Zenida Lanza Reporting

Over sixty students graduated today from a three-month skills program facilitated by the Leadership Intervention Unit and the Tubal Trade and Vocational School. The young men and women were trained in trades like electrical, cosmetology, AC and refrigeration repair, and catering. Director of the LIU Andrew Dawson says it is important to provide young adults with the tools and support to build careers and explore entrepreneurship opportunities.

 

Andrew Dawson, Director, Leadership Intervention Unit

“So it’s a three month program. As you hear the CEO mentioned, we would be looking at capacity building training as it relates to entrepreneurship. And other capacity building engagements, and they will be receiving their small packages with startup kits for the specific discipline that they can utilize to do their own entrepreneurship, start their own business, or they can follow their studies. We offer that type of support for them as well as a long term support.”

 

Past graduate Keemar Wagner, now a police officer, shared advice for the new graduates.

 

Keemar Wagner, Graduate

“Just for them to push forward, believe in yourself, and it’s their mind. Nothing is hard, nothing is easy, but you just have to put your mind to it and you can accomplish it.”

 

Meanwhile, Zion Hope, a graduate of the electrical program, shared that the experience was invaluable and full of learning opportunities.

 

Zenida Lanza

How do you feel now that you’ve graduated?”

 

Zion Hope, Graduate, Tubal Trade and Vocational School

“Well, I feel like I should use the knowledge that I’ve learned and start my own thing.”

 

Zenida Lanza

“And what do you plan to do now?”

 

Zion Hope

 “Well, only hope; I can wire everybody house I see.”

 

Dawson says there are many more success stories and that they plan to involve previous graduates as mentors for future students. Reporting for News Five, I’m Zenida Lanza