ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, February 14th, 2012 – Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn has encouraged more students to explore careers in the technical field.

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the Elmore Stoutt High School 2012 Career Expo, Minister Walwyn said, “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.”

He added, “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.”

The Minister added, “If a young man or young lady, right here at Elmore Stoutt High School is interested in AC repair, you might have to work as a technician for a few years, but it should not be inconceivable that one of you our students, have the capacity to invent new technology that will help us to continue the use of our air conditioners, while decreasing the amount of electricity used to power these systems.”

The Minister continued, “It is not inconceivable to me that one of you our students sitting right here, can someday be a part of the development of making safer and more fuel efficient vehicles, ferries and yes, even airplanes. I want to encourage you to not just look at our common knowledge of what it is to be a plumber, construction worker, or ac repair mechanic, but how you can use your seemingly natural knowledge of technology that you young people seem to now be born with, to improve those careers.”

Speaking of the Ministry’s involvement he said, “Over the course of this year, my Ministry will be taking the lead in helping to reshape 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.”

Addressing the students he added, “Careers in the technical fields provide lucrative opportunities for you to join the labour force and earn the necessary experience and skills to help anyone of you before me live out your personal and professional aspirations.”

Mr. Jason Rubaine, Youth Officer with the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports delivered the Keynote address which was warmly received by the student body. He encouraged the students to be ‘Purposeful’ as his presentation focused on the four P’s in this year’s theme, “Pursuing Purposeful and Profitable Productivity: Transferable Skills—The Road to Survival.”

Other speakers included Mr. Carnel Clyne of the BVI Tourist Board and Ms. Melissa Amey, Principal of the Elmore Stoutt High School. Guidance Counsellor and Coordinator of the Career Expo Mr. Sylvester Smith, chaired the ceremony.

As part of the ceremony, over 100 students received certificates for participation in last year’s on the Job Training programme. Business such as Nagico Insurances, Aleman, Cordero Galindo & Lee Trust (BVI) Limited and Coverdale Trust Services Limited were on hand to present their student apprentices with distinction awards.

Today, students will explore career choices in the financial services industry as a wide-cross section of disciplines will be represented. On Wednesday, students will be exposed to career opportunities in the Public Sector and Non-Governmental Organisations. On Thursday, the Expo will culminate with a College and University Fair. Over 20 institutions of higher learning will be on hand to participate in this recruitment drive.

The Ministry of Education and Culture supports initiatives which exposes and train youth to take advantage of available opportunities for growth and development. The ESHS Career Expo and College and University Fair is such an initiative, which equips students with the necessary exposure in determining their destiny.

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