Acting Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro stated that the training was facilitated by the Premier’s Office across multiple sectors and industries to fulfil the training component of the programme. She added that the series of training sessions are multi-faceted and are intended to be informative, instructional, and to provide holistic training by local industry experts. Photo: GIS/Facebook

Mrs. Smith-Maduro said, “We have business owners in different disciplines such as construction, agriculture, electrical work, and landscaping who will equip persons with information about the functions of the various industries and the process of opening businesses in those fields.”

The Acting Permanent Secretary added, “Out of this training exercise, we hope to get some of the participants in the RATED programmed paired for apprenticeship opportunities. We are committed to facilitating additional training sessions of a similar nature, and will be partnering with H. Lavity Stoutt Community College to provide training in the areas.”

Mrs. Smith-Maduro said participants were exposed to various components of the construction industry and the vast options that they can venture into, in the construction industry by Mr. Akeem Lennard from Greencrete BVI.

“They also learnt about the use of using recyclable products in construction in alignment with the Government of the Virgin Islands’ commitment to environmental preservation,” she said.

Acting Director of the Public Works Department Ms. Josette Hendrickson presented on the various opportunities that exist within the department, and how persons can become qualified for available positions.

Mrs. Arona Fahie-Forbes of Arona’s Marketplace, who is also the former Acting Chief Agricultural Officer, presented on how persons can capitalise on career opportunities within the agricultural production field.

Meanwhile, Acting Director of the Water and Sewerage Department Mr. Brian Davis, provided information on apprenticeship options that can be engaged in by participants.

In addition, Mr. Ronson Barry of Barry’s Electrical Limited demonstrated how to perform electrical installation, to ensure that the participants could benefit from direct involvement and gain practical hands-on exposure. 

The holistic training involved collaboration between the Government of the Virgin Islands and its private sector partners. The key areas highlighted were entrepreneurship, employment within construction, careers in agriculture, employment opportunities within the Public Works Department, landscaping, careers in electrical maintenance, and career opportunities in the Water and Sewerage department.

The overall objective of the RATED programme is to provide temporary employment relief, apprenticeship opportunities, and career development, training opportunities, while simultaneously enhancing skillsets, and increasing knowledge bases for persons of employable age, to enhance the capacity of the human resource in the Territory.

The next training session for persons enrolled in the programme is scheduled to take place in the upcoming weeks.

The Premier’s Office remains committed to formulating and implementing policies and programmes to promote productivity and equality through social inclusion and the access to opportunities.