Education officials have underscored the value of soft skills among youth as part of the framework for preparing for the world of work, with over 300 students from 16 secondary schools graduating from the Preparing Today for Tomorrow’s Challenges – Transforming Children’s Lives (PTFTC-TCL) programme.

The recognition ceremony, now in its tenth year, saw the latest cohort of students awarded for their participation in the skills training programme conducted in collaboration with the University of the West Indies and the Ministry of Education, with funding from the Sandals Foundation.

Speaking at Sandals Royal Barbados on Wednesday, acting Chief Education Officer Julia Beckles underscored the need for more than academic qualifications.