Two esteemed officials from the Harrison Centre, Antigua and Barbuda Institute for Continuing Education (ABICE) were granted an audience at the Cabinet on Wednesday to deliberate on key matters, including the introduction of a new scholarship program.

According to the Cabinet Notes, Dr. Jonah Greene, the Administrator, and Arlene Weste, the Manager of ABICE, were invited to discuss a scholarship initiative slated for implementation in the September 2024 semester.

The Cabinet plans to allocate fifty scholarships to deserving young individuals participating in the Work Experience Programme (Department of Labour), who are keen on acquiring the skills offered by ABICE and obtaining certification in their respective areas of expertise.

The program will focus on training individuals in carpentry, plumbing, masonry, electrical work, and other construction-related skills to meet the demands of various industries.

The Notes also highlight the increasing requirement for certification among new employees in most industries, positioning ABICE as a crucial player in employment training.

The standard fee for the 18-month program is $500 per year, and currently, there are 827 individuals enrolled. As the facility undergoes expansion, it is anticipated that even more students will enroll in the program.