PREP'Alternance: a new compass for professional integration at the University of Guyana

Cayenne, May-June 2025 - The University of Guyana and the Department of Continuing Professional Education have just completed the first trial of the PREP'Alternance programme, an innovative scheme designed to help students enter work-linked training. The aim is to reveal talents, boost self-confidence and provide students with all the keys they need to successfully enter the world of work.

An innovative programme focusing on soft skills

Launched in May 2025, PREP'Alternance is aimed at all students wishing to join a work-linked training scheme, without any academic prerequisites. The emphasis is on developing soft skills: self-knowledge, communication, stress management, professional posture and networking. The active, fun teaching approach draws on neuroscience and personal development to stimulate commitment and progress.

Four sessions to reveal yourself

The course is structured around four weekly two-hour workshops, for a total of eight hours:

• Session 1: Find your inner compass
  Students explore their values, passions and skills through the “My Ikigai” workshop and the creation of a group charter.
  «It enabled me to get to know myself better, understand my value and express myself», said one participant.

• Session 2: Your track record is your strength
  Focus on enhancing experience and building professional tools (CV, covering letter).
  «I've learnt to express myself better and to showcase my skills and expertise on my CV», sums up another student.

• Session 3: Your professional posture
  Role-playing, interview simulations and emotional management are all part of the programme.
  «I've learnt to manage my audience better, while remaining in tune with myself. I've learnt to speak up», confided one participant.

• Session 4: Developing your professional network
  Students learn about networking methods and reflect on the professional image they wish to project.
  «I've learnt to recognise myself better (character, passion, etc.)», said one participant.

An experience welcomed by students

The results are indisputable: almost all participants rated the sessions as “very satisfactory” or “fairly satisfactory”, with an “excellent” group atmosphere. The practical workshops, introspection and group dynamics were particularly appreciated. The students emphasised that they had gained in confidence, become aware of their strengths and developed concrete tools for their professional integration.

Areas for improvement in the future

Among the suggestions made by the students were to devote more time to certain exercises, to increase the number of speaking opportunities and to organise more social and networking events. These are just some of the ways in which the impact of the programme can be further enhanced in future editions.

A springboard to work-linked training and employment

With PREP'Alternance, the University of Guyana is confirming its commitment to helping young people enter the world of work. This scheme, which combines caring, high standards and educational innovation, is a real springboard for students in search of work experience and success.

«We are unique, and that uniqueness is our strength. With it, we can multiply our chances of success», sums up one enthusiastic participant.

The University of Guyana is setting the tone: work-linked training is above all a human adventure, and PREP'Alternance is the best proof of this.

On the strength of this successful first edition, the University of Guyana is continuing the PREP'Alternance adventure. A new session took place at the beginning of July, and others are already planned for September and October.

Proof of its impact, this scheme has become a permanent part of the University's support offer, serving students and their professional integration. PREP'Alternance thus continues to pave the way for a more humane, more committed and, above all, more accessible work-linked training scheme for all.