The Conference Centre of Our Lucaya was buzzing with activity as businesses set up their displays for the 4th Grand Bahama Industrial, Technical and Maritime Career Fair on Thursday, January 19, 2017.
Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, who officially launched the event said, "Prior to assuming office, this administration pledged to double our investment in education; and to facilitate the training and development of our youth, and work force, particularly on the island of Grand Bahama. The Grand Bahama Industrial and Technical Career Opportunities Fair is just one of my Ministry's educational initiatives and represents a fulfillment of one of the promises to the people of Grand Bahama."
The fair is designed to assist 12th grade students on the island in identifying potential careers in the industrial sector.
"Over the last five years, this initiative has served as a bridge for many senior students; and has provided them with an introduction to the major employers on the island of Grand Bahama, as well as the careers which are available in our industrial sector. I am pleased that this Career Fair has proven successful. As indicated by our partners in the Ministry for Grand Bahama and industry, hundreds of participants, counselors and parents have stated that because of the exposure received, the interest of young people in these sectors has awoken; and as a result, many of them are receiving the training and certification needed to take advantage of the jobs that are and will become available in the industrial sector. Additionally, a number of these students have gained employment at these local companies.
"As we once again prepare to connect young people to jobs available on the island of Grand Bahama and what is needed for the contribution for sustainable growth and development on our island, we take this time to recognize and talk to all these companies and organisations participating in this year's career fair."
The companies participating: Bahamian Brewery, Bahamas National Trust, Bahama Rock Ltd., Bradford Marine, BTVI, Freeport Container Port, Freeport Harbour Company, Grand Bahama Airport Company, Grand Bahama Health Services, Grand Bahama Port Authority, Grand Bahama Power Company, Grand Bahama Utility Company, Grand Bahama Shipyard Company, PharmaChem Technology, GB Ltd., Pineyard Steel, Quality Services, The Royal Bahamas Defence Force, and The Royal Bahamas Police Force.
Expressing gratitude for all those who assisted to making the event a success, Minister Darville especially thanked Melvin Seymour, permanent secretary at the Ministry for Grand Bahama; Harcourt Brown, senior undersecretary; and Leslie Dorsett, projects officer at the Ministry for Grand Bahama who spearheaded the event from inception.
Representatives from BTVI, Bradford Marine, Grand Bahama Utility, Bahama Rock, the Grand Bahama Port Authority and the Grand Bahama Shipyard all gave brief remarks.
Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
CAREER FAIR LAUNCHED - The 4th Grand Bahama Industrial, Technical and Maritime Career Fair was officially launched on Thursday, January 19 at Our Lucaya during a press conference. The fair will be held on Friday, January 20, when 12th graders from Grand Bahama will be exposed to potential careers in the industrial sector. Shown seated from left are: Sherlock Pierre, Admissions Office, BTVI; Gerron Turnquest, Grand Bahama Utility Company; Mike Stafford, Bradford Marine Project Manager; Harcourt Brown, senior undersecretary, Ministry for Grand Bahama; the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister for Grand Bahama; Lance Brown, Manager, Bahama Rock; Dudley Francis, Chief Building Manager of Building and Development, Grand Bahama Port Authority; and Don Forbes, Training manager, Grand Bahama Shipyard. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
By Robyn Adderley
Bahamas Information Services
