CIT's Development Centre, which was established in 2002, employs graduates to write software packages for companies in the hotel and tourism sector, construction industry and schools.

Jacqueline McBean-Blake, CIT's business development and marketing manager, told The Gleaner yesterday that the centre employs students for a year initially to enable them to prepare for the world of work.

She said the primary function of the centre is to assist graduates to make the transition from school to the world of work, while at the same time building the confidence of the local business sector in the skills level of CIT's graduates.

CONFIDENCE

"We want to build the confidence of local firms in our information technology specialists. We have a lot of persons here who are highly skilled," Mrs. McBean-Blake said. She noted that "CIT's efforts through the centre have been very effective in the creation of a pool of young entrepreneurs who are able to sustain the IT industry."

To date, software packages have been created for clients, including Negril Hill Golf Club, Richmond Hill Inn and Jamaica Trade International.

There are several other packages being worked on such as a crime management system for the Police Force, file management for Dear Kindness and Partners and a school management system to be implemented at Mount Alvernia High School in St. James and Muschett Comprehensive High, Trelawny.

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