Roadtown, Tortola - Human resources managers from the Department of Human Resources recently made a presentation to students from the Youth Empowerment Programme (YEP) about career opportunities in the public service.
On March 19 managers from the Employment Unit, Jenifer David; Organisational and Development Planning Unit, Shavon Henley and Strategic Succession Planning Unit, Kaisa Penn, presented to members between the ages of 8 and 16, under the theme “Future Leaders of the Virgin Islands”.
The topics covered the basic skills set for success as well transferrable skills. Special focus was placed on careers which are in demand in the public service including architecture, botany, engineering, environmental health, nursing, law enforcement, education, and veterinary science.
Ms. David said “the Department of Human Resources recognises the need to start preparing the students of today for future careers in the public service so we wanted to educate students on the many other financially and personally rewarding careers available besides those most commonly known to students, such as doctors and lawyers.”
As part of their presentation, the human resources managers engaged the students in a game entitled “Skills Piggy Bank” which was created by Ms. Penn. She said “the game was created with kids in mind to emphasise the importance of having certain basic skills and building on those skills over time to be able to use them in any career or area of their lives. “
Ms. David concluded that “the future of the public service begins with our youth. Educating them through personal engagement is extremely important. Initiating positive change with our future leaders we think is extremely important to make a lasting positive impression on their young minds.”
The Department of Human Resources will be extending the presentation to as many schools as possible throughout this year and into 2010 in the hope that they can begin to build an even more talented, educated public service work force for the future making the public service, “The Employer of Choice”.
British Virgin Islands News