For many young people, getting a first job takes more than technical skills. It requires guidance, practical experience, and the opportunity to build confidence in a supportive environment. For youth from underserved communities in Jamaica, access to these opportunities can be limited, making the transition from training to employment particularly challenging.
For more than 30 years, The MultiCare Youth Foundation (MYF) has worked alongside young people across Jamaica, helping them overcome barriers to employment and build brighter futures. Through its Youth Upliftment Through Employment (YUTE) program, MYF takes a holistic approach to workforce development by combining life and employability skills training, mentorship, vocational certification, psychosocial support, and internship opportunities that prepare participants for meaningful careers.
PriceSmart Foundation is proud to continue its partnership with The MultiCare Youth Foundation by launching Phase II of the Youth Upliftment Through Employment (YUTE) program. Building on the strong results of the first phase, the 17-month initiative will support a new cohort of 60 young people from underserved communities in Jamaica as they prepare to successfully enter the workforce.
Connecting Training to the Workplace
A defining feature of YUTE is the connection between what participants learn and what they encounter in the workplace. Through internships with PriceSmart Clubs and other private-sector partners, participants gain firsthand experience in a professional environment while putting their technical and employability skills into practice. These experiences help bridge one of the greatest barriers many young people face: gaining practical experience needed to take the first step toward employment.
The success of Phase I demonstrated the impact this approach can have. Participants strengthened their employability skills, completed internships, earned vocational certifications, and several secured permanent employment or self-employment opportunities after completing the program. Just as importantly, the program provided valuable insights that helped strengthen the next phase of the initiative.
Building on What Works
Building on these lessons, Phase II will continue the core elements that made the program successful while introducing enhancements designed to better support participants throughout their journey. The new phase places greater emphasis on vocational skills training, ensuring more participants complete the program with industry-recognized certifications, while a new group mentorship model will foster stronger peer support and more consistent engagement. Together, these enhancements will better prepare participants for internships, employment, and long-term career success, opening new opportunities for Jamaica’s next generation.
