The Learning and Investment for Transformation (LIFT) programme is a social re-engineering Programme introduced by the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Dr. the Most Honourable  Andrew Holness, as part of his 2023 Budget Debate on March 16. The Programme aims to provide sustainable pathways for education, employment, and integration into society for 5th and 6th form high school graduates. Its primary goal is to enhance social mobility for school leavers by offering opportunities for skill development, career readiness, and personal growth.

The LIFT programme is targeted at 5th and 6th form high school graduates. It aims to provide opportunities for these graduates to enhance their education, gain employability skills, and smoothly transition into adulthood.

The LIFT programme plans to support a total of two thousand five hundred (2500) school leavers over a period of five years, targeting five hundred (500) school leavers per year.

The LIFT Programme consists of three main phases: Entry (orientation), Engagement (eight-week employability skills trianing and acqusition of citizenry documents), and Immersion (12-month job placement).

During the entry phase, students will undergo a diagnostic examination to assess their learning levels. Based on the assessment, they will receive training and placement in jobs that are suitable for their skill levels. This phase also includes a week-long orientation session to help them transition smoothly into the programme and society.

The engagement phase spans eight weeks and focuses on employability skills, life skills, digital literacy, financial literacy, customer service, mentorship, and volunteerism. Additionally, participants will engage in essential citizenship activities such as opening bank accounts, applying for key documents like the Taxpayer’s Registration Number (TRN) and National Insurance Scheme (NIS), obtaining a driver’s licence, and processing passports.

In the immersion phase, participants will be placed in specific skills areas within pre-approved Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs) or participating private sector firms for 12 months. They will receive a monthly stipend of

$85,000, out of which $15,000 will be deducted for compulsory savings and investment. The stipend is subject to the relevant statutory deductions.

The administration of the LIFT Programme will be managed by the HEART/NSTA Trust. All application forms can be accessed through your member of parilament’s office.

No. The stipend will be facilitated by the HEART/NSTA Trust.