ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, June 21st, 2012 – Students of the Technical and Vocational Apprenticeship Programme, a joint initiative between the Ministry of Education and Culture and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, (HLSCC) graced the stage with pride as they were recognised for their commitment and persistence during their graduation exercise, yesterday, June 20.
Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn congratulated the 37 students, who represent the largest cohort since the programme’s inception.
Minister Walwyn in his remarks said, “Despite your personal situations, despite your circumstances, despite obstacles, you have risen above and beyond them, to get to this point today; and you must be commended.”
Highlighting available entrepreneurship opportunities in the Technical and Vocational field, Minister Walwyn introduced graduates to ‘Soloprenuers’, a newly coined phrase that has been in existence for a number of years.
The Minister said, “As the name suggests, Soloprenuers are simply entrepreneurs running a one-man show; a solo business owner.”
He added, “Graduates, I hope it has become apparent to you over your courses that the technical and vocational industry is one that lends itself to opportunities in entrepreneurship, much sooner than other vocations. With the right experience, it is not inconceivable that any of you sitting here today, in the next three to five years would be in the position to have your own business”
Keynote speaker Mrs. Shereen Flax-Charles in her remarks called for the graduates to be given the opportunity to understudy skilled persons in their field. She posed a challenge to the Ministries of Education and Culture, and Natural Resources and Labour to ensure fair employment opportunities are provided.
She also challenged the community saying, “When you see our youth stumble, help them up. Encouragement goes a long way, a helping hand goes a long way and you may never know how far your words and well wishes may take our young adults. Let us as a community, our Virgin Islands community, embrace our young people and help them become productive, successful citizens within this Territory,"
Ms. Nicola Bailey and Mr. Brent Browne successfully completed dual programmes during this academic year. Bailey completed studies in Culinary Skills and Office skills while Browne completed programmes in House Wiring and Plumbing.
Other top achievers include Mr. Shaquil Samuel and Roland Nobrega in House Wiring; Ms. Nicola Bailey and Deshawne Douglas in General Culinary Skills; Mr. Vidal Farrington in Small Engine Mechanics; Mr. Jehlani Leonard in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration and Mr. George Smith in Plumbing
Mr. Jelanie Leonard student respondent in his remarks thanked the Government, HLSCC and his fellow graduates for this achievement as this experience will be one he will always remember.
“The H.L Stoutt Community College has given us an opportunity to get a good vocational and academic training and balance our personal priorities so we may choose whatever path we like.” He encouraged his fellow graduates to not hesitate but step over every threshold and into every door that is opened to them.
President of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College Dr. Karl Dawson and Programme Counsellor Pastor Wayne Hoyte also gave remarks. Ms. Tasha Bertie Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture chaired the graduation exercise.
The Technical and Vocational Apprenticeship is a programme geared to offer skills training in various areas of competencies to youth between the ages of 18 – 30 years. Through this programme, students gain the necessary ability to work as apprentices in the short term and expand to own their own business in the future.
The 2012 Graduating Class of the Technical and Vocational Apprenticeship Programme with Government Ministers, Senior Officials and the Keynote Speaker. (Photo Credit: GIS/Mr. Ronnielle Frazer)
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