Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is seen as a vital solution to the territory’s growing skills shortage. Photo: VISTS/Facebook

Dr Arlene L. Smith-Thompson has said the Virgin Islands is facing a 'skills gap' that urgently needs to be addressed. Photo: Provided

Students of the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS) paying keen attention to a hairdressing demonstration. Photo: VISTS/Facebook

Venued at the New Testament Church of God Church Hall in Baughers Bay, the day’s activities brought together students, teachers, and officials who shared their experiences about the impact of technical education and the need to invest in skills development.

Rethink Technical Education

Dr Arlene L. Smith-Thompson, one of the Territory's leading educators, made it clear that the Virgin Islands is facing a “skills gap” that urgently needs to be addressed.

“Across the Caribbean, there's such a demand for skills training. And here in the BVI, it's an acute situation where a lot of our skills are still brought in from outside. That means we must act.”

She, as such, called on policymakers and the community to rethink how they view technical education, praising the students for breaking stereotypes. “Some people still think technical schools are for slower students, but that’s changing.”

Grade 11 student Halem Jacob, who is studying auto mechanics, said his love for motorcycles inspired his career choice. “Growing up, I always liked motorcycles. Being a mechanic makes a lot of money too, so I plan to stay in the TVET field,” he explained. When asked about stigma, he was candid “I don’t look at a technical school as a slow school. Once you can use your hands, you're good.”

Another student, Nyadly Nisbett—in Grade 10—who is studying technical drawing, shared her ambition to become an architect or civil engineer. “I enjoy working with designs and visualising how things are built. It was also recommended by a teacher to help me reach my goals.”

Teacher testimonies further reinforced the value of TVET with Ms Angeleah Cupid, a former culinary student turned educator, also sharing her experience.

“I was stigmatised for going to the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies. But I got my culinary degree, became a teacher, and I’m continuing to grow. People will stigmatise you regardless—do what you want to do.”

Build your skills- Smith-Thompson

According to the teacher, cooking was more than a job for her—it was a way to express herself. “I always say you should cook with love. Your emotion goes into your food. I use that same passion to motivate my students now.”

Dr Smith-Thompson, who also co-owns Mac’s Restaurant with her husband, confirmed the shortage of skilled local chefs. “We haven’t been able to attract Virgin Islands students who want to stay in the industry. They want the money, but sometimes you have to put in the time and build your skills. Then the money will come.”

Mr Dalton Palmer, an Electrical and Electronic Technology teacher at Bregado Flax Secondary Division, explained that technical fields also demand academic strength.

“People think TVET is just building stuff, but it’s not. In my subject, students need to do complex calculations—sometimes at the same level as CAPE physics,” he said. “The problem is, many students are placed into TVET thinking it’s easier. But they’re expected to perform at a high level.”

Mr Palmer, who was previously an academic, described his switch to TVET as rewarding telling those present, “TVET allows you to work with your hands. You can build and fix things, apply real solutions—not just read theory from a book.”

With this in mind, Dr Smith-Thompson was adamant, “The possibilities in TVET are endless. —we need more homegrown talent. TVET can drive our economy forward, but only if we value it.”