The Institute for Workforce Education & Development (I.W.E.D.) hosted its Certificates Award Ceremony on Friday at the Manpower Centre Auditorium in Kingston honouring fifty-six (56) graduates as they received their certifications.

The event, held under the theme ‘Empowering the Workforce, Transforming the Future,’ recognised graduates for their achievements in various training programmes such as Allied Health, Customer Service, Grounds and Landscaping and Public Area Hygiene.

Chairman of I.W.E.D. Wayne Chen, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the institution’s role in equipping individuals with the skills necessary for career advancement. “Today is a proud day for me when I look at this beautiful group of graduates—you have done something very important and significant, you have gotten certified in marketable skill. We talk a lot about skills gap and low earnings in Jamaica…one thing we all concluded is that the only sustainable way to see an improvement in our earnings, whether we go to work for someone or we are working for ourselves is to improve our personal productivity by increasing skills, getting better at what you do, in something that people are willing to pray for.”

He added that upskilling and lifelong learning were becoming increasingly important as society progressed.

CEO of M.M.S., Don Gittens, followed with greetings, commending the graduates on their dedication and perseverance.

“It’s really good to see so many of the team members graduating today…it fills my heart because one of the things I’ve always said is that I wanted everybody to be trained in customer service and I see a lot of customer service graduates here today!” he noted, excitedly. “Happy to see Allied Health, Landscape and grounds, Public Area Hygiene…I am happy to see that my people are certified…we’re going all over the island and regional.”

The keynote address was delivered by Natalie Robinson, Senior Director of Marketing, Communications & Community Engagement at HEART/NSTA Trust, read on behalf of Managing Directory HEART/NSTA, Dr Teneisha Ingleton. She elucidated the importance of continuous learning in an evolving job market and extended massive congratulations to the graduates for adding value to the job Market.

“It is an honour to stand before you as we celebrate your remarkable achievements…today we recognize not only your hard work and dedication but also the immense responsibility that you are about to undertake as you step into the workforce,” she said. “Equipt with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to make a lasting impact.”

Other speakers included Verica Bennett-Davidson, Interim President of I.W.E.D., who served as the Master of Ceremonies, and Patricia Ricketts-Brown, an Allied Health graduate, who led the prayer.

An item was also presented by Omoy Dennie, the daughter of a graduate, before Charmaine Christie-Campbell, another Allied Health graduate, introduced the keynote speaker. Founder and chair of Manpower Maintenance Services Limited, Audrey Hinchcliff was also present, sitting proudly in the audience as the graduates received their certificates.

I.W.E.D. celebrated the graduate achievements of those prepared to contribute meaningfully to their respective industries, and the pride was palpable.

See more photos below.