27,000 students seek apprenticeship

JAKARTA (JP): The governor has asked government institutions and private companies to provide high school students with work experience during their break from school.

"This opportunity will provide students with a knowledge outside their school curriculum," Surjadi Soedirdja told some 5,000 high school students and prospective employees.

"Show your employees that you are hard workers," he advised the youths.

According to Surjadi, school holidays are a perfect opportunity to learn to manage time effectively and broaden one's horizons.

The apprentice program, which is always held during the end of school year holidays, was first introduced in 1989. This year it will be between June 17 to July 13.

A total of 58,480 high school students have applied but only 27,200 openings at 41 government institutions and 94 private companies are available.

Meanwhile, Blok M Pasaraya Kid's Club and McDonald's fast-food restaurant and children's magazine Salam planned to hold educational programs for kindergarten and elementary school students during the holidays.

"This program is intended to be fun, and educational," Mazna Assegaf, an editor from Salam, told The Jakarta Post.

Topics selected include universal values and ethics presented in ways to hold children's attention, such as in story-telling, quizzes and demonstrations.

The five-week program will be held every Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. between June 22 to July 13.

A registration fee of Rp 25,000 includes one-year membership in the Pasaraya Kid's Club. (yns/14)