The HRDC School Placement Programme Opens Professional Doors for 729 Students

A total of 729 secondary school students who completed a two-week internship as part of the Human Resource Development Council's (HRDC) School Placement Programme (SPP) received their certificates and shields on Thursday, May 14, 2026, in the presence of the Minister of Education and Human Resources, Dr. Mahend Gungapersad, at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute in Moka.

Addressing the students, the Minister reiterated the government's commitment to optimally utilizing the country's resources, especially human resources. He emphasized that the Government Programme 2025-2029 includes strategies aimed at addressing skill mismatches and labor shortages within the economy.

He noted that the HRDC regularly conducts national and sectoral studies on skills to better align education and training with labor market needs. He observed that education, training, and qualification systems are being restructured to better prepare youth for the job market. Through the SPP, he stated, students were exposed to workplace values, principles, and responsibilities, helping them adapt to professional environments.

Dr. Mahend Gungapersad also expressed satisfaction that students from 61 schools were placed in 45 organizations, both public and private, during November and December 2025. The internships provided participants with practical experience and a deeper understanding of workplace culture, he said, encouraging more young people to benefit from the SPP.

Also present at the event was HRDC President Bhooyasheel Akshay Seedoyal, who highlighted that the SPP is a key initiative for preparing young learners for the workforce. It bridges the gap between classroom learning and practical skills, offering students valuable exposure to real professional environments. The initiative, he added, reaffirms HRDC's commitment to equipping youth with the necessary tools for future success.