Ministry focusing on preparing students for the world of work

THE Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation is committed to the expansion of the implementation of programmes that are compliant with industry standards and those aimed at preparing students for the world of work.

 

Senior Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, Montege Deane-Bowen, has noted that the focus is on programmes that help students develop the appropriate skills, competencies and attitudes that ensure their readiness for the working world.

 

“The Caribbean Vocational Qualification is now prevalent in most of our secondary schools. Most recently, the Ministry has been paying particular attention to incorporating STEM, as an integral part of our educational system. STEM is the acronym for the academic disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics,” Deane-Bowen pointed out.

 

She was at the time making an address during the Secondary Schools Symposium held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre this week. The initiative formed part of the activities planned by the Barbados International Business Association (BIBA), to celebrate International Business Week.

 

“Students, let me emphasise to you that teamwork and problem solving are the new constants. Employers are looking to employ persons who understand how to work in teams, with little or no oversight. They are also looking for persons who have the ability to look at a task and not only see the outcome, but to also imagine different ways of achieving it,” Deane-Bowen meanwhile commented.

 

During the forum, the Education Ministry’s representative also encouraged the fifth and sixth form students to embrace the opportunities provided to them, even as they look to the future.

 

“How many of you know the career path you want to follow? What are your interests? Now is the time to explore all the possibilities. Work hard to develop your skills and of course your character. Be the best that you can be in this competitive world,” Deane-Bowen advised those present. (RSM)