International Mentoring Center



IMC Jamaica: Empowering the Nation’s Economic Development Through Global Mentorship Standards

Together, let us raise the power of mentoring to a whole new level for Jamaicans.

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IMC Accreditation

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Mentoring in Organizations

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IMC in Jamaica

As a key strategic tool in Jamaica’s economic development, mentorship provides the knowledge, networks, and support needed to build a more robust and inclusive private sector.

The disruption caused by Hurricane Melissa is being compensated through expanded reconstruction efforts and the economy’s strong underlying fundamentals. Jamaica’s proactive risk management strategy that incorporates mentoring has been instrumental in preventing an economic collapse.

Mentoring in Jamaica has been central to strengthening MSMEs, empowering women entrepreneurs, developing youth and rural entrepreneurs, and fostering innovation and export readiness.

International Mentoring Center Jamaica has been active in setting the highest standards in mentoring aimed at the country’s complete recovery and progress towards prosperity.

🇯🇲 Mentoring in Jamaica Key Statistics

Fully attributable macroeconomic, labour market and fiscal indicators — sourced exclusively from public, auditable reports.

As of July 2026 · Sources: World Bank · IMF · BOJ · STATIN · FocusEconomics
National Economic Indicators VERIFIED
Jamaica – Macroeconomic Landscape 2024–2026 · Public Records
Real GDP growth (FY2024/25) -0.5%contraction due to hurricane Beryl
-0.5%
Real GDP growth (2025 estimate) 3.5%post-hurricane recovery
3.5%
Real GDP growth (2026 forecast) 3.4%World Bank forecast
3.4%
GDP per capita (2024) $7,020current USD
$7,020
GDP per capita (2026 forecast) $8,356IMF projection
$8,356
Sources: World Bank · IMF 2025 Article IV Mission · Worldometer
Inflation Indicators VERIFIED
Consumer Price Inflation 2023–2025 · Bank of Jamaica · STATIN
Average inflation (2023) 6.7%annual average
6.7%
Average inflation (2024) 4.6%annual average — converged to target
4.6%
Headline inflation (Feb 2025) 4.4%down from 6.2% in Feb 2024
4.4%
Core inflation (Feb 2025) 3.8%20th consecutive month below 6%
3.8%
Headline inflation (May 2025) 5.2%within BOJ target band (4–6%)
5.2%
Sources: World Bank · Bank of Jamaica · STATIN · NCB Capital
Labour Market Indicators VERIFIED
Employment, Unemployment & Labour Force 2024–2025 · STATIN · Macrotrends
Unemployment rate (2024) 3.15%record low
3.15%
Unemployment rate (2025) 3.29%slight increase
3.29%
Unemployment rate (April 2025) 3.3%record low
3.3%
Unemployment rate (Oct 2024) 3.5%Q4 2024
3.5%
Labour force participation rate 68.1%October 2024
68.1%
Employed persons (Oct 2024) 1,417,000total
1.417M
Unemployed persons (Oct 2024) 51,300total
51,300
Sources: STATIN Labour Force Survey (Q4 2024) · Macrotrends · Jamaica Gleaner
Youth Unemployment VERIFIED
Youth (Ages 15–24) Labour Market 2024 · STATIN · ILO · Macrotrends
Youth unemployment rate (2024) 10.38%ILO estimate
10.38%
Youth unemployment rate (Oct 2024) 11.0%Q4 2024
11.0%
Unemployed youth (Oct 2024) 21,600of total unemployed
21,600
Youth female unemployment (Oct 2024) 13.7%vs 8.9% for young males
13.7%
Sources: STATIN LFS Q4 2024 · Macrotrends · ILO
Fiscal & Public Debt Indicators VERIFIED
Government Finances & Debt 2024–2025 · IMF · FocusEconomics
Public debt‑to‑GDP (2024) 69.2%of GDP
69.2%
Public debt‑to‑GDP (2025) ~65%lowest in 25 years
~65%
External debt‑to‑GDP (2024) 43.1%of GDP
43.1%
Primary surplus (FY2024/25) 6%of GDP
6%
Debt target (2027–2028) <60%of GDP
<60%
Debt servicing as % of expenditure 29%FY2024/25, down from 33% in 2014/15
29%
Sources: FocusEconomics · IMF 2025 Article IV Mission · Coface · Trading Economics
External Sector Indicators VERIFIED
Current Account & Remittances 2024–2025 · World Bank · IMF
Current account balance (2024) -4.6%of GDP
-4.6%
Current account balance (2025) -2.1%of GDP — improving
-2.1%
Net FDI inflow (2024) 1.7%of GDP
1.7%
Remittances inflow Resilientstrong, stable inflows
Sources: World Bank · IMF 2025 Article IV Mission
Key Insights

Record Low Unemployment

3.15%

Jamaica's unemployment rate hit historic lows in 2024 — among the lowest in the region.

STATIN · Macrotrends (2024)

Youth Unemployment Challenge

10.38%

Youth unemployment remains more than three times the national average — a critical target for mentoring.

ILO · Macrotrends (2024)

Inflation Normalisation

6.7% → 4.6%

Inflation fell sharply from 2023 to 2024, now firmly within BOJ's 4–6% target band.

World Bank · BOJ

Debt Reduction Progress

69.2% → ~65%

Public debt declining steadily toward the 60% target by 2027–2028.

IMF · FocusEconomics

Strong Labour Force Participation

68.1%

Above the Latin America and Caribbean average of 62.6% — a robust workforce foundation.

STATIN · ILO

Current Account Improvement

-4.6% → -2.1%

Current account deficit narrowing, supported by strong tourism and remittances.

World Bank (2024–2025)
Data Certification: Every indicator presented above is sourced from publicly available, auditable reports published by the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (2024 and 2025 Article IV Missions), the Bank of Jamaica, the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), Macrotrends, FocusEconomics, and Coface. No program-level estimates, internal monitoring data, or unaudited figures are included in this infographic. All numbers are independently verifiable.

Upcoming Chapters

Kingston

Status: Launching Soon

Montego Bay

Status: Launching Soon

Ocho Rios

Status: Launching Soon

Benefits of Mentoring in Jamaica Impact Delivery

How structured mentorship drives workforce readiness, academic achievement, and professional leadership — building resilience and opportunity aligned with Jamaica’s Vision 2030 national development framework.

As of July 2026 · Sources: Government of Jamaica · JIS · HEART/NSTA Trust · JBDC · U.S. Embassy · JMMB · MYF · JDMA · JPS Foundation · NCU

Workforce & Organizational Benefits

Youth Employment & Skills Development

The HEART/NSTA Trust has enrolled over 150,000 individuals in training programs since the elimination of fees. The Jamaica National Service Corps (JNSC) Skills Track equipped its first cohort of 48 young people aged 18–23 with technical skills in administrative assistance and electrical installation. The LIFT and CARE program provide education, mentorship, and employment support, with over 1,250 unattached youth across all 63 constituencies currently receiving training under CARE.

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development

The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) encourages large corporations to mentor MSMEs, helping bridge gaps in access to capital, marketing, and operational efficiency. The REAP Entrepreneurship Program, implemented by the Planning Institute of Jamaica, selected 13 entrepreneurs from vulnerable communities for a six-month mentorship with private-sector businesses.

Workforce Transformation & AI Readiness

The government launched GAINS, a JMD $545 million National Workforce Transformation Initiative to deliver AI certification to every constituency. Nearly 500 youths have graduated from the Amber HEART Academy in data analytics, cybersecurity, and app development, with most securing paid internships.

Academic & Youth Development Benefits

Diaspora Mentorship & Academic Excellence

The Jamaica Diaspora Mentorship Academy (JDMA) has matched over 80 Jamaican students from all 14 parishes with qualified Diaspora mentors representing law, education, finance, science, and the arts. Mentors are based across North America, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Middle East, providing personalized monthly e-mentorship sessions focused on career guidance, goal setting, and resilience-building.

STEM Education & Mentorship

The UWI and UNICEF National STEM Program pairs high school students with undergraduates and postgraduates while training teachers and guidance counselors to embed mentorship experiences into classroom teaching and school culture. The government is investing $400 million to establish STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts & Mathematics) labs in technical high schools featuring robotics, virtual welding simulators, drone technology, and 3D printers.

Girls' Empowerment & Leadership

The Girls Becoming mentoring program in Portland empowers 15–20 girls through confidence-building, leadership skills, life-skills training, and career exposure. Mentees describe the program as a “safe and supportive environment where girls can learn, share, and grow together”. The CHAMP project supports boys aged 13–18 to remain in school and work towards academic and professional goals.

Professional & Social Impact Benefits

Women's Entrepreneurship & Economic Empowerment

The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Jamaica has empowered over 100 women across four cohorts, with more than 75% successfully scaling their businesses. The JMMB PowHERful Women in Business Program has graduated 69 female entrepreneurs, many of whom have expanded operations and entered new markets.

At-Risk Youth & Community Transformation

The EU-funded BRIDGE Project transformed the lives of over 300 young Jamaicans through training, mentorship, and behavioral support. Over 70% reported enhanced attitudes, confidence, and competencies. The MultiCare Youth Foundation (MYF) mentorship program pairs at-risk youth with dedicated mentors based on shared interests and career aspirations.

Professional Mentorship & Teacher Development

The Teacher Mentorship Program, launched in 2021, has trained hundreds of educators to become mentors deployed to infant, primary, and secondary schools across the island. The JPS Foundation runs a year-long mentorship program for tertiary students, providing practical professional insights, career planning, and goal-setting guidance.

Accreditation Process

How Organizations in Jamaica Can Get IMC Accreditation

To maintain the highest level of standards in global mentoring, IMC has a rigorous review system to audit your organization’s program quality as part of our strict accreditation process requirements in Jamaica.

Your organization can opt to provide a mentoring program with more than 20 hours of training or a shorter one. This can get you a training accreditation or an endorsed training accreditation.

Your program must include mentoring skills and domain or knowledge development so as to be eligible for accreditation. Every program must incorporate the following three sections compulsorily:

  1. The IMC Definition of Mentoring
  2. The IMC Code of Conduct and Ethics
  3. The IMC Core Competencies (minimum of 3 are must for accreditation)

The programs must provide participants with the necessary skills for each credential and ensure that the trainer is the primary mentor supervisor for at least a year.

The accreditation will be valid for three years from the date of issue.

The Accreditation Application Flow

The entire accreditation application process takes around four to six weeks. 

Stage 1: Organization Details

Stage 2: Program Details

Stage 3: Instructor Details

Stage 4: Terms and Conditions

Following a successful review, you’ll receive an email notification confirming your IMC accreditation status and a media kit to display your accreditation.

Please feel free to contact us for any further clarification

FAQs

The International Mentoring Center Jamaica has chapters in three cities in the country:

  • Kingston 
  • Montego Bay
  • Ocho Rios

Being a global leader in mentoring credentialing, the International Mentoring Center sets global standards while offering the following benefits:

  • Access to an extensive ecosystem of mentoring credentials, certifications, and accreditations.
  • Access to resources that help improve mentoring skills.
  • Discounts on credentials.

The IMC Jamaica region offers numerous volunteering opportunities:

  • Lead a local chapter and advance the cause of mentoring.
  • Help arrange an event or local initiative of the IMC.
  • Participate in the local community events.

MDCs are credits awarded for activities that help you as a mentor gain more experience and understanding in your industry and in mentoring. Ongoing professional development activities help you gain the required MDCs towards renewal. This includes –

  • Mentoring education: Completing courses, seminars, or webinars from recognized providers (5 credits each).
  • Mentoring experience: Activities like authoring articles, hosting webinars, or volunteering (up to 6 credits).
  • Organization-based development: Conducting case studies, hosting company events, or serving as a speaker (5 credits each)

You must also complete 5 mentoring supervision sessions every year.

Hence, to be eligible for credential renewal, a mentor must complete 20 MDCs.

Apart from the compulsory requirement of 20 MDCs (mentor development credits), you must pay a $149 renewal fee towards your IMC credentialing.

The significant advantages are:

  • Unmatched visibility for your organization in the industry.
  • Allows you to offer short interactive programs under 20 hours, such as webinars and seminars.
  • Helps mentors earn credits towards IMC credentialing.
  • Your organization gets a 2-year accreditation validity.

The IMC offers multiple application paths to accommodate different training backgrounds:

  • Accredited Training Path: For those who completed training with an IMC-accredited provider.
  • Endorsed Training Path: For those who completed short, IMC-approved courses (under 20 hours).
  • Non-Accredited Training Path: This path is for mentors who have completed training from other recognized providers, such as EMCC, ICF, or SHRM. If you have certifications from these or similar organizations, you can submit them for review.

Join IMC Jamaica