The Student Placement Programme (SPP), aimed at nurturing youth professional development in Mauritius, was launched, yesterday, in Ebène, at the initiative of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Labour, Human Resources Development and Training.
The SPP, a two-week work placement programme targeting Grade 12 (Lower 6) students, will be held during the school holidays. The aim of the SPP is to expose students to the realities of a rapidly changing work environment, enhance their self-confidence, and introduce them to their future career prospects.
The Director of the HRDC, Dr Raj Auckloo; the Administrative and Human Resource Management Officer, Mr Pravind Jaddoo; and other personalities, were present during the launching ceremony.
In his address, Dr Auckloo dwelt on the importance of early career exploration for young individuals. He introduced the SPP as a cornerstone initiative, enabling students to undertake a two-week internship during school holidays. To support these young interns, he indicated that the HRDC has allocated Rs 200 per day for food and transport and added that a testimonial will be provided to them upon completion of the internship. Building on a previous programme initiated in 2007 for Lower 6 students, this revamped SPP, he highlighted, reflects a commitment to better respond to the needs of both students and employers.
Moreover, Dr Auckloo highlighted the programme’s pivotal role in bridging the gap between academic concepts and real-world applications, emphasising essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, time management, and teamwork to prepare students proactively for the workforce’s evolving landscape.
He further highlighted that the SPP serves as a clear pathway for young individuals to align their aspirations with practical experiences, empowering them for successful professional journeys. The SPP, he underscored, provides valuable insights into the job market’s demands, aiding students in their transition from academia to the workforce while equipping them with essential skills for impactful contributions in their future careers. The SPP benefits from the support of 24 participating institutions including several Ministries, parastatal organisations, and private firms, he added.
For his part, Mr Jaddoo emphasised the importance of the established Work Placement Programme, initiated in 2007, which engaged 6,195 students from Mauritius. He also highlighted key enhancements in the new SPP, including the convenience of online registration, the digitised process for monitoring attendance and collecting feedback, and the HRDC’s provision of insurance coverage for students during their placements. Furthermore, he noted the participation of 28 schools in the SPP, signifying its growing reach and impact.
