When the going gets tough, the tough get going, especially in these challenging economic times. This was the collective mindset of 18 persons who turned up at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security yesterday.

Pearnel Charles, minister of labour and social security, addressed the 18 persons before their departure to the Culinary Training Programme, at Red River College, Manitoba, Canada today.

The group will be embarking on an eight-month programme, which includes four months of theory and four months of practical work. At the end of the programme, successful persons will be granted the 'Red Seal', which is recognised in all Canadian provinces.

Study, work components

The students' visas have both study and work components, allowing them an additional eight months to work in the country after completing the programme.

Minister Charles implored the students-workers to take the opportunity seriously.

Those participating had to come up with school fees (Can$5,500), assessment fees (Can$100), embassy fee (Can$125), accommodation - for the first three months (Can$975), insurance (Can$350), liaison fee (Can$500), police record (J$2,000), plus plane fare and spending money. Each person obtained loans from the City of Kingston Credit Union.