The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) is not a dumping ground for low-achieving students or those who are not college material, according to Dr. Robert W. Robertson, the first president of the institution. He said people who have a vocation should not be frowned upon because they are needed and their place in society is crucial.
Addressing the 200-strong graduates during the school's recent commencement exercise the new president said that the quest to remove the stigma associated with technical and vocational education is gradual, and gaining momentum with the help of international organizations like J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. The leading global financial services firm earlier this year announced a new $75 million investment to expand high-quality career-focused education programs that lead to well-paying jobs and long-term careers.
Recognizing that young people need pathways to high-quality training and skills to compete for jobs, they say failing to prepare young people with the right skills and education for the jobs is not a missed opportunity for them, but a missed opportunity for businesses to hire the talent they need to grow and compete.
Dr. Robertson told the graduates that it is career and technical education that is a catalyst for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math education, hence people should not consider vocational learning as a last resort for those who have failed academically. He said it is quite challenging.
The new president spoke to a number of success stories examples-- Sidney Sinclair, owner of Sinclair's Rent-A-Tool; Bernard Rolle, proprietor of Rolle's Electrical; Roderick A. Simms II, principal of Electrical Design and Services and an electrical contractor; and natural hairstylist and BTVI instructor Chi-Kara Armbrister.
Dr. Robertson commended the graduates for making an investment in themselves and reminded them of the importance of their skills to the workforce.
"In the hospitality industry, what would we do without construction workers to help build bed and breakfasts, motels, and resorts? And which organization does not have office assistants or administrators? Furthermore, in hotels, you can find massage therapists, estheticians, barbers, nail technicians, cosmetologists and more. These are just some of the disciplines we provide training for at BTVI," he said.
At his first commencement exercise, the president encouraged the class to stay abreast of the latest in their respective industries, and not allow graduation to be the endpoint of their success. He encouraged them to help others by giving back and told them that their newly obtained degrees, certificates, and honors came with great responsibility.
Gowon Bowe, partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers and chairman of The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers' Confederation told the graduates that they live in a polarized society, but that they must start cultivating a society of bold citizens who are willing to participate in changing the course of the country.
He urged the students to become the movers and shakers of their country and begin to break the barrier of reticence in which they have been pushed under, and to annihilate mediocrity as their contributions to the nation can be tremendous.
He spoke to them about customer care and experience and reminded them that the smallest things make the biggest difference.
"The mechanic that cleans the car before returning it... the electrician that carries all of the debris and old parts as he departs and leaves the environment as if he has never been there... the service provider that knows your name and what your preferences are even before you ask," he said.
Angela Pratt-Rolle, under secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said BTVI caters to the whole person, and told the graduates that they are needed for the development of the country.
"BTVI exposes students to the innovative rapidly evolving field of technical education, enabling them to be globally competitive and economically independent, so there is no doubt that the graduates seated here have received a quality education and have been equipped with the adequate skills to join a 21st century, globally competitive workforce," she said.
"Some of you have learned how to install air conditioners in homes, manage the technology in an office, turn the most ordinary hair and nails into a work of art. No matter what you have learned, I can say that all of you are graduating not just with a great education, but with the skills that will let you start your careers and skills that will make a more modern and prosperous Bahamas."
Pratt-Rolle reminded the graduates that their country anticipates their skills, talents and innovative natures and that they remember that those assets were not nurtured by themselves, but with the investment of somebody somewhere.
Geoffrey Brown, Guardian Business Reporter
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