26 graduate from Republic Bank’s apprenticeship programme

…earn CARICOM-recognised banking qualification

Twenty-six young professionals graduated from the Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited Apprenticeship Programme at a ceremony held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel on Wednesday.

The programme marked its 15th year, with the latest cohort completing a seven-month training period focused on workplace readiness and banking operations.
The graduates, part of Republic Bank’s Youth Link Apprenticeship cohort, each received a Caribbean Vocational Qualification in Banking Operations Level One.
The certification is approved by the Council for Human and Social Development of CARICOM through the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET). The qualification enables participants to seek employment within CARICOM member states.

Throughout the programme, apprentices underwent classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and self-directed learning. They were placed at various branches of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited between October 2025 and April 2026, where they gained exposure to daily banking operations, customer service, office procedures, and sales functions.
Managing Director of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, Dr Toussant Boyce, said the programme is designed to develop confidence, adaptability, and professional skills among young people. He noted that this cohort brings the total number of beneficiaries since the programme’s introduction in 2008 to 350 participants.
“The Republic Bank Youth Link Apprenticeship programme is about more than banking. It is about building confidence, resilience, and the ability to think, adapt, and grow,” Dr Boyce said.
Labour and Manpower Planning Minister Keoma Griffith delivered the motivational address. He shared aspects of his personal journey and encouraged graduates to take advantage of opportunities as Guyana undergoes continued economic and social development.

Participants also engaged in a range of development activities during the programme, including interaction with children from the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, first aid training facilitated by Cerulean Inc., and a field visit to a local resort aimed at broadening their exposure beyond the workplace.
Special awards were presented at the ceremony for outstanding performance in categories including Best All-Rounder, Best Business Proposal, Most Effective Presentation, Most Disciplined Apprentice, Most Improved Apprentice, and Most Congenial Apprentice.
The Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme was introduced in 2008 by Republic Bank Group to bridge the gap between education and employment by providing structured training and workplace experience for young people transitioning into the job market.