By Val Matthias. Updated 2:55 p.m., Saturday, January 3, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has officially extended the duration of two youth internship programmes the Support for Education and Training (SET) and the Youth Empowerment Service (YES) by three months into 2026. Internships for current participants will now conclude on March 31, 2026, while new applications are open until January 30, 2026, with fresh placements beginning in April 2026
This extension, announced via a notice from the Agency for Public Information dated January 3, 2026, reflects the administration’s continued investment in youth development and workforce readiness.
The Support for Education and Training (SET) programme was designed to provide recent graduates of universities and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC) with practical work experience in the public sector, statutory bodies, and non-profit organizations. It targets graduates with workplace ready skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, offering contractual employment and monthly stipends.
In late 2024, former Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves announced a financial boost to the programme, approving 320 new placements and increasing stipends by EC$200 for college graduates and EC$300 for university graduates. The SET programme is widely regarded as a strategic tool for building a future-ready workforce and easing the transition from education to employment.
The Youth Empowerment Service (YES) programme, established in 2001, targets young people aged 16 to 30 who are out of school and seeking training and work experience. Administered by the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture, and Creative Industries, YES recruits over 400 participants annually for apprenticeship placements in government departments, with a focus on citizenship development and employability.
Participants receive a monthly stipend and the programme is recognized as one of SVG’s major active labour market policies. According to the Ministry of NationalMobilization, YES has maintained a high success rate, with hundreds of youth benefiting from its structured training and mentorship.
The three month extension into 2026 offers continuity for current interns and expanded opportunities for new applicants. With the application deadline set for January 30, 2026,eligible youth are encouraged to register promptly to be considered in the upcoming selection round. The new cohort will begin their internships in April 2026, following a formal vetting process.
END
One News SVG 