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Debra Tugwell watched with pride as her son, Armani Palmer, crossed the stage during the graduation ceremony for the Jamaica National Service Corps (JNSC) Skills Training Programme at Up Park Camp in Kingston last Friday.

Palmer was among 48 young people who graduated from the programme, a joint initiative between the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and the HEART/NSTA Trust.

A former student of St Andrew Technical High School, Palmer has long aspired to become a soldier. However, when he attempted to enlist earlier this year, a medical issue temporarily derailed his plans. Instead of turning him away, the JDF offered him the opportunity to gain life skills through training in electrical installation.

"They didn't just turn mi back and send mi home. They gave us something to do that was beneficial to us. Some of us can even try back for the army or police force. I am going to try back for the army, but if I don't get through, I still have an electrical certificate, which is even valid overseas," he shared.

The JNSC Skills Track Programme forms part of the government's Learn, Earn, Give, and Save (LEGS) initiative. It targets unattached, underserved, and at-risk youth, offering structured training and employment opportunities to equip them for meaningful societal contributions. Through its partnership with the HEART/NSTA Trust, the JDF delivers career-focused training aligned with national development needs.

Palmer, who grew up in Two Miles, a community in St Andrew South, is familiar with the harsh realities faced by many young men in inner-city areas.

"My parents and extended family didn't make it rough for me growing up, but there are others who have had a rough life. I have seen how violence affect those around me, and mi nah talk nuh play-play violence. I have seen how rough it is for some people. I want to make a change, and I am getting the opportunity to do so," he said.

His mother, filled with pride, expressed her joy at his achievement.

"Growing a boy child in the ghetto is not easy, especially as a single mother. But with the help of aunt, grandmother and uncle around, they steered him on a path of straight and narrow. Thank God for this programme as it helped him out a lot," she said.

The Skills Training Programme is designed to support national human capital development by addressing workforce shortages and building a pipeline of skilled individuals for both the public and private sectors.

Launched on February 24, the programme enrolled participants aged 18 to 23 in a four-month training initiative. Twenty individuals were trained in administrative assistance, while 28 focused on electrical installation. In addition to technical instruction, all participants received personal development and life skills training.

Managing Director of the HEART/NSTA Trust, Dr Taneisha Ingleton, highlighted the importance of collaboration in nation-building.

"Graduates are leaving here today not only with credentials and the discipline that they need to advance in society in areas like electrical installation, business administration and information communication technology, but they are leaving with the character, the confidence that they need to excel... wherever their path may lead," Ingleton said.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness commended the graduates and urged them to stay committed to their goals. He reminded them that their newly acquired skills are in high demand and can unlock opportunities for meaningful employment and personal advancement, even amid challenges.

Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss Gorman, also praised the graduates for their dedication and growth during the programme.

"While these participants will not enlist in the JDF, they have been shaped by our values and are now advancing to the practical application of their training," she said.