PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 04 April 2023

17 unemployed individuals who have successfully completed a Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support were awarded a certificate during a ceremony held at 14 00 hrs on Tuesday 04 April 2023 at the Manchester Institute of Training Qualifications (MITQ), Pailles. Following their training, the trainees have been offered employment in the participating laboratories as Phlebotomist or Medical Laboratory Assistant.

This training programme is an initiative of ProLabs Medical Ltd and ProCare Medical Laboratory, implemented in collaboration with the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) under the National Skills Development Programme (NSDP). The training was delivered by Manchester Institute of Training Qualifications (MITQ). This training programme is an award course and the certificates are awarded by Training Qualifications UK (TQUK).

Dr. Raj Auckloo, Director of the HRDC, explained that, “Healthcare support workers play a vital role in providing high quality care to service users on a day-to-day basis. To ensure that the trainees are work-ready, it is important that they receive proper training. Thus the NSDP provides the opportunity for unemployed individuals to gain skills which are highly sought by employers. This is a key strength of the NSDP.”

Dr. Harris Neeliah, Manager Research and Projects at the HRDC, added that, “Given the changes that are occurring in the labour market, employers need to take an increasing responsibility in developing new talents. The NSDP is a demand-led instrument that can support this endeavour.”

For his part, Mr Rayish Ramrakha, Chief Executive Officer of MITQ, highlighted that “At the Manchester Institute of Training Qualifications, we prepare students for future careers by providing hands-on experience within a dynamic and progressive learning environment through various academic pathways. Our collaboration with the Human Resource Development Council has helped to redevelop apprenticeship through its National Skills Development Program. From 2019 to date, through these schemes we have trained over Page 1 of 3

200 youngsters who today holds British qualifications from the Training Qualifications UK. This year, together, we are coming with more employment driven projects to help our growing economy and workforce within the health and education sectors.”

According to the Directors of Prolabs Medical Ltd, Mr D Seethiah and Dr N Sem Fa, “Prolabs Medical Laboratory commends the fruitful tripartite collaboration with HRDC and MITQ on the NSDP training programme. Up to now, we have participated three times in the programme and trained 31 young people. We have offered employment to all successful trainees and most of them are still on their career path at Prolabs Medical Laboratory. We are now recruiting ten more students on the same programme for 2023”

Mrs Deesha Gungah-Gokool, Director of ProCare Medical Laboratory, said “We are delighted to have participated in the HRDC programme and supported the development of the medical laboratory industry in Mauritius. Our commitment to investing in the education and training of future generations remains unwavering. ProCare Medical Laboratory encourages students who are interested in pursuing a career in the medical laboratory industry to take advantage of such initiatives and join the journey of shaping the future of healthcare in Mauritius. The company is proud to have played a role in shaping the future of healthcare in Mauritius and is thankful to the HRDC for providing such opportunities to the younger generation. ProCare Medical Laboratory is confident that the skills and knowledge acquired during the programme will prove valuable in the students’ future careers.”

This 11-month training programme comprised theory and practical components run by the MITQ and work placement in the two participating laboratories.

The training programme was mounted around different components and modules based on the needs of the market and enterprises, namely for duty of care, human structure and functionality, obtain venous blood samples and test capillary blood samples to name a few. The training was open to unemployed individuals holding a minimum School Certificate qualification.

Participants who followed this training programme would be able to assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing, treating and caring for patients. Learners also acquired the knowledge, understanding and skills required to work in a range of healthcare settings.

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About the National Skills Development Programme (NSDP)

The NSDP is an ongoing training and placement programme implemented by the HRDC. The main objective of this programme is to train unemployed individuals in technical skills to match the needs of employers.

The NSDP targets unemployed individuals aged 16 years and above, having studied up to Diploma level (NQF level 6). Under this scheme, trainees receive a monthly stipend of Rs 8,000, funded by the HRDC. The cost of training is also funded by the HRDC.

Enterprises play a vital role in the implementation of the NSDP with a possibility of employment for trainees who successfully complete the training programme.

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Contact

For additional information, please contact:

Ms. Preetisha Gungadoo
Public Relations & Communication Officer, HRDC
Tel: 464 8503 or 5252 8614 | Email: pgungadoo@hrdc.intnet.mu

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For the British High Commissioner, H.E. Mrs. Charlotte Pierre, Mauritian women lead innovative businesses, can inspire their communities, and shape their country’s economic future. “As new global challenges arise, promoting and supporting female entrepreneurship must remain a priority for all of us. This is not simply an issue of equality – it also makes good economic sense. The UK is proud to have supported Mauritius’ trade and gender equality efforts over the past few years, including through the She Trades Commonwealth Programme, a UK funded Commonwealth-wide initiative has paved the way for increased economic growth and job creation by helping hundreds of female-owned businesses access international trade opportunities”, said the British High Commissioner.

H.E. Mrs. Charlotte Pierre added: “By launching the SheTrades Hub in Mauritius today, we mark a new chapter in the UK-Mauritius partnership, a vital opportunity that will help provide Mauritian women the right skills and networks to unlock their full potential. As Mauritius expands its trade exports , the UK Government, in partnership with the Economic Development Board and the International Trade Centre, remains committed to championing trade policies and programmes that advance women’s economic empowerment.”

“Following the launch of the new SheTrades Hub strategy in September 2022, our SheTrades Hub Focal Points received training on export-readiness, visual communication, inclusive supply chains, and strategies to foster private sector partnerships,” said Ms Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director, International Trade Centre (ITC). “The SheTrades Mauritius project aims to strengthen the business support ecosystem, facilitate market access for Mauritian women entrepreneurs, and build the sector-specific entrepreneurial skills of young women graduates in the country,” she added.