Summer-job seekers line up for processing before being interviewed.

More than 500 young persons turned up at the Ridgemount United Church in Mandeville, Manchester, on May 16, to be interviewed for jobs under the National Youth Summer Employment Programme, which is run by the Social Development Commission.

From as early as 7: 30 a.m., youths from high schools and colleges in central Jamaica (parts of St Elizabeth, Clarendon and Manchester), gathered for their 9 a.m. interview, as they searched for summer jobs in the harsh economic climate which currently exists; as well as to keep them occupied for a part of the upcoming long holidays.

private and public sector organisations

Christine Blake, who is from the Summer Employment Secretariat in Manchester, told THE STAR that over 1,000 youths were interviewed, including those done on Saturday. She said as many youths as possible would be selected if they passed their interview.

She said those selected would be placed in private and public- sector organisations for three weeks in July or August and they would be paid a stipend. Blake said high-school students who were in third to fifth form would be paid $3,000 per week, while those were are from tertiary institutions, including those who are attending sixth form, would receive $3,500 per week.

Blake pointed out that for the youths to be a part of the employment programme they first had to be enrolled in high schools or colleges and be between the ages of 14 and 24. She said persons are required to have their TRN, a five-year plan, a personal application letter and a résumé, in order to be processed for the interview.

The hundreds of students who turned up at the Ridgemount United Church to be interviewed for summer jobs. - George Henry photos