BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE possibilities for both prospective employees and prospective employers were explored yesterday (Mar. 12) at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College’s (CFBC) Open Day and Career Fair held at the learning institution’s Burdon Street campus.
Spotted across the lawn were tents under which were representatives from more than 20 businesses and organisations from across the Federation as well as several internationally-accredited universities.
The event provided a sterling opportunity for students to make an informed decision about the move(s) they would wish to make having completed their education at CFBC.
President of the CFBC Kelvin Daley remarked that the event is a gateway for all groups represented there.
“Based on the numbers of participating institutions and businesses here today, I am fairly confident that you also share my excitement as this is the gateway event for both prospective employers on the lookout for talent, and higher education providers hoping to attract new students. It is indeed an important activity in the life of this or any other college, for it is now that we get an opportunity to highlight all of the many reasons why your enrolment here at CFBC is a win-win for all of us.”
Minister of Education the Hon. Shawn K. Richards said the role of the institution is not just to educate the students but to equipt them with the requisite skills necessary to meet the demands of a “diverse workforce”.
“It is worthy to note that at CFBC, faculty and staff are not just educating students for their first jobs; they are educating students for lifetime careers. Essentially, the groundwork is laid today for elevator pitches and interviews with the partners. The ultimate goal of the Open Day and Career Fair is for each student to gain workplace readiness experiences and be prepared for the world of work.”
SKNVibes noted that following the opening ceremony, hundreds of students, including those visiting from the Verchild’s High School and the Charles E. Mills Secondary School on St. Kitts and the Charlestown Secondary School on Nevis, flocked to the various booths seeking information about the various companies and their services as well as the universities.
It was also observed that quite a number of students made requests to university representatives for information about the programmes they offer.
Chair of the CFBC’s Communications Unit Lesroy Williams told SKNVibes he estimated that the event had achieved its objectives.
“The Open Day and Career Fair had more than one objective. It was aimed at exposing the students to the world of work and also to educational opportunities where they can be trained in certain areas so they can be prepared for the world of work. Also, the CFBC provided information for high school students about the different divisions and the options available to them, so they could make informed decisions when they leave high school. I think these objectives were met.”
