Despite the global recession and downturn in the local economy, some 223 high-school and tertiary students have obtained summer jobs at the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS). Among the fortunate ones are seven JNBS scholarship and bursary award recipients.

An additional 10 students were placed at three Corporate Area charities - Mustard Seed Com-munities, Best Care Children's Home and the Golden Age Home in Vineyard Town, St Andrew.

"We have consistently maintained a summer programme to give students the opportunity to either apply the theory they are learning in school, or to explore finance, marketing and information communication technologies (ICT) to determine their interest and future studies," Earl Jarrett, general manager of the JNBS stated.

Social capital

The practical application of tasks, management of time and working to achieve specific objectives are some of the principles in the workplace that help to shape the work ethic of our young people, Jarrett noted.

"We are committed to the building of social capital, and it is through our summer work programmes that we can stimulate students to better achieve their goals," he said.

"Preparing young people to enter the workforce is critical, particularly in times of economic recession."

Horace Allen, JN scholar at the University of the West Indies, who is pursuing a bachelor's degree in management studies, is enthusiastic about the opportunity to gain employment with the organisation as part of his two-year bursary award.

"My working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite has improved, and I am required to use the different desktop applications on the job," he said.

"I have also learned to write marketing briefs and have accompanied the team on promotional activities, thereby broadening my scope of work."

Valuable experience

Monique Lennon, another summer worker, attests to the value of the experience she has received. The psychology and business major student, who completed studies at Florida International University, plays an active role in the JN Security Department where she views surveillance video footage and documents relevant information.

"This is my fifth consecutive summer at JNBS. I worked in the Mortgage Department for the first two summers and for the past three years I have worked in the Security Department gaining further knowledge. Now, I am more confident and know that I'll do very well when I gain full-time employment," she remarked.