Youth Development
Reclaiming a Generation, Restoring Hope
Our economic vision is centered on creating sustainable jobs, supporting small businesses, and driving entrepreneurship across the country. We understand the challenges of inflation and the rising cost of living, which is why we are committed to providing relief for working families. By investing in key industries and empowering local businesses, we aim to stimulate growth and build a resilient economy that benefits everyone. Our plan focuses on ensuring that no one is left behind as we work towards a prosperous future for Trinidad & Tobago.
The Current Youth Crisis in Trinidad & Tobago
Youth in the country face an unprecedented crisis, with rising unemployment, limited access to relevant skills training, and increasing crime rates. Many young people leave school without clear job prospects, leading to frustration and disillusionment. With gang recruitment rising and survivalist culture taking over, urgent intervention is needed. The UNC recognizes that young people are not the problem—they are the solution, and it’s time to invest in their future.
National Youth Empowerment & Transformation Plan
A unified approach to youth development is necessary to provide real, lasting change. The UNC will establish a Youth Cabinet to oversee initiatives across different ministries. The plan will focus on five key pillars: Education, Employment, Engagement, Entrepreneurship, and Empowerment. These pillars will ensure young people receive the support, training, and opportunities needed to build a stable future and contribute meaningfully to society.
Youth Skills & Career Training Corps
Many young people lack the skills required for today’s job market. The UNC will revamp and expand technical and vocational training centers, introduce mobile training units, and partner with private sector employers. This initiative will focus on practical, in-demand skills, ensuring young people are work-ready and have clear pathways to economic independence.
Join the Movement for Youth Empowerment
Young people deserve better opportunities, and we are ready to deliver. Be part of the change by supporting our youth-focused policies and initiatives. Together, we can rebuild a brighter future for the next generation.
Paid Apprenticeship & Internship Guarantee
To address the gap between education and employment, the UNC will implement a national internship and apprenticeship program. Every secondary and tertiary graduate will be guaranteed a paid work placement within six months of graduation. By collaborating with businesses, NGOs, and government agencies, this initiative will provide valuable work experience and reduce youth unemployment.
National Life Skills & Values Programme
Beyond academic and technical skills, young people need essential life skills to navigate modern challenges. The “Life Ready” curriculum will be introduced in schools and community centers, covering conflict resolution, teamwork, emotional intelligence, civic responsibility, and career planning. This program will instill discipline and resilience, reducing the number of youth falling into gangs or crime.
National Youth Employment Initiative (YEI)
Creating job opportunities is crucial to reducing youth unemployment and poverty. The YEI will partner with small businesses, NGOs, and local governments to generate thousands of part-time and entry-level jobs in sectors such as agriculture, digital services, environmental cleanup, and creative industries. This program will give young people a chance to earn, gain experience, and stay engaged in productive work.
Share Your Ideas & Be Heard
Your voice matters! We want to hear from young people, parents, educators, and community leaders. Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas to help shape policies that truly work for youth development.
Gangs Out, Opportunities In” – Violence Disruption Programme
Crime and violence are major concerns among youth, particularly in high-risk communities. This program will implement mentorship initiatives with reformed ex-offenders, conflict mediation teams, and school re-entry pathways. By directly engaging at-risk youth and offering alternatives, the UNC will disrupt gang recruitment and provide real opportunities for a better future.
Youth Zones and Community Innovation Hubs
Many communities lack safe spaces where young people can learn, create, and collaborate. The UNC will retrofit underutilized community centers into modern youth hubs equipped with Wi-Fi, digital tools, and mentorship programs. These spaces will foster creativity, skills development, and career-building activities, transforming communities into places of opportunity rather than crime hotspots.
National Youth Service Programme
A voluntary one-year, paid National Youth Service will be introduced for young people aged 18-25. Participants will engage in social, environmental, and public sector projects while receiving a stipend. This initiative will provide structured work experience, develop civic responsibility, and offer priority access to further education and job opportunities.
Youth Policy Review Commission
To ensure all youth programs are effective and relevant, a Youth Policy Review Commission will be established. This task force will conduct policy audits, review current programs, and recommend reforms to create an efficient and impactful national youth strategy. Regular updates and consultations with youth organizations will keep policies aligned with evolving needs.
Support the UNC’s Youth Agenda
Real change starts with action. Support our mission to provide better education, jobs, and opportunities for youth across Trinidad & Tobago. Let’s reclaim a generation and restore hope together!
Digital Passport for Youth
A digital skills passport will be introduced to help young people document their achievements, training, and work experience. This online platform will allow employers, educational institutions, and training bodies to track certifications, competencies, and career progress, making it easier for youth to connect with job opportunities.
Immediate Actions – First 120 Days
The UNC will take swift action to implement key youth policies within the first 120 days in office. This includes:
✅ Career Acceleration & Graduate Placement Programme – Partnering with industries to fast-track youth into jobs.
✅ OJT (On-the-Job Training) Redesign – Updating placements to align with current market demands.
✅ Youth Quota in Public Sector Hiring – Ensuring a fair, transparent hiring process that prioritizes young professionals.
Five-Year National Youth Development Plan
The UNC’s long-term youth strategy will be implemented in two phases:
🔹 Years 1–2: Laying the foundation (youth housing, police youth club expansion, mental health infrastructure).
🔹 Years 3–5: Scaling successful programs, launching partnerships, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Transforming the Youth Landscape
When a young person believes that being a criminal is a career choice, we are not just facing a crime problem—we are facing a crisis of opportunity and dignity. The UNC is determined to replace crime-driven pathways with real opportunities for education, skills training, and employment. Every young person, no matter their background, should have the chance to belong, contribute, and lead.