ESHS students urged to pursue Technical Careers

Third form students listen attentively while one employer in the financial sector encourage list the merits of a career in that field at the second day of the fair. (Photo: Delana Isles)

Students of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHSS) were granted the opportunity to think ahead to the future and make a decision on the course they want their life to take career-wise.

The school hosted its annual career expo for senior students where they met with several businesses and government organisations as they prepare to forge ahead in the world of work.

The theme for this year's expo is Pursuing Purposeful and Profitable Productivity. Minister for Education and Culture, Hon. Myron Walwyn, declaring the fair open, urged the students to take advantage of this chance as they will become tomorrow’s professionals who will propel the Virgin Islands forward.

“I want to take this time to encourage as many of you students gathered here today, to explore jobs, training and a career in the technical field. I have to admit that as a community we have not done a good enough job with helping students that are technically inclined find opportunities for personal and career advancement.”

The Minister said that his Ministry will, over the course of the year, be taking a leadership role in reshaping the image of technical and vocational professions.

“It should no longer be that we do all that we can to encourage our students to become doctors, lawyers and accountants, without shining a light on the other options. While becoming a doctor, lawyer or accountant is commendable, in order for the Virgin Islands to be competitive globally and in order for all members of our community to be actively involved in the advancement of our islands, we surely need professionals in as many fields as possible and those in the technical and vocational field are especially needed.”

He stated that the Virgin Islands need more young men and women to become skilled trade professionals because, as the territory expands its hotel and conference facilities will also, thus creating a need for the requisite trained professionals to maintain these amenities.

“While we are thankful for the many persons that come and work and live in the
Virgin Islands, those very jobs are honest and profitable opportunities for young people like yourselves,” the Minister assured the students.
He added that a plumber, a construction worker and some building engineers in the Virgin Islands make nothing less than $100 a day and that the skills acquired in these technical areas are not just limited to these shores.

The Minister further encouraged the youths to examine how they can use their natural knowledge of technology to improve the careers in the technical fields.

“When I speak of a career in the technical field, I want you to also think how you can become a leader in your field, at home in the Virgin Islands, our Caribbean region and even the world.”

Speaking to Government’s commitment to ensuring that the youths, upon leaving school, become gainfully employed, the Minister told the students that taking their role in the labour force, does not just mean earning a buck, but it also affords them the opportunity to be contributing members towards the development of the Virgin Islands.

He also commended the Principal and her team for the continued development of the career fair.

Youth Development Officer at the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Jason Rubaine urged the students to be purposeful in their every undertaking, as it breeds determination.

“Even though you are growing up in a single parent home, you still have an aim and a goal. Even though you can barely afford the necessary items like many pairs of shoes or a brand new uniform every year or a big lunch every lunch period, you still have an aim and a goal,” he said.

ESHS Principal, Melissa Amey in brief remarks noted that the purpose of the career fair is for students to see how they can use the knowledge that they acquired during their high school career and transfer them into workable skills when entering the world of work.

Certificates and awards were handed out to students who took part in job training session over the past summer vacation.