120 Graduates Equipped with Digital Skills from Amber HEART Academy

The Amber HEART Academy has celebrated the graduation of 120 trainees from its fifth cohort, equipping them with vital digital skills in Web and Mobile Application Development. This initiative, a collaborative effort between the Amber Group and the HEART/NSTA Trust, underscores Jamaica's commitment to fostering a digitally skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the global technology sector.

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You are not waiting on the world to change… you are going to use what you have learnt to change the world.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, lauded the graduates, emphasizing that their achievement signifies Jamaica's proactive stance in embracing the digital future. She inspired them to leverage their newfound expertise not just for personal advancement but to actively "change the world," highlighting their certification as a key to participating in the digital economy. The Minister stressed that the program's value extends beyond mere certification, positioning graduates for international competition and problem-solving.

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The people of Jamaica paid for you to get this opportunity… and I don’t want you to forget that.

Dr. Morris Dixon further elaborated on the government's strategic investment in youth, framing it as a crucial driver for national development. She reminded the graduates of the societal investment in their education, urging them to reciprocate by creating value and contributing back to their communities. The Minister also touched upon ongoing reforms within the HEART Trust, including the introduction of "Apprenticeship 3.0," a model designed to enhance training alignment with employment opportunities through greater industry collaboration and practical experience.

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So, another way we’re looking at this is through what we call Apprenticeship 3.0.

Ambassador Dushyant Savadia, Founder and CEO of the Amber Group, spoke about the transformative vision behind the program, noting its rapid evolution through public-private partnership. He highlighted the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) training as a testament to the program's adaptability to global technological shifts. Dr. Taneisha Ingleton, Managing Director of the HEART/NSTA Trust, reinforced the national significance of the cohort's success, linking it to global projections of job creation in AI and emerging technologies. She commended the graduates for their personal discipline and contribution to strategic workforce development.

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This is somewhat a hybrid that we’re trying, where we have private sector very closely involved with HEART.