Graduates of the HLSCC TVET programme along with Hon. Myron Walwyn, Dr. Karl Dawson, Pastor Wayne Hoyte, Tasha Bertie and Shereen Flax-Charles Photo: Javon Liburd/VINO

Hon. Myron Walwyn addressed the 37 graduates of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) TVET Programme yesterday June 20, 2012 at the Eileen L. Parsons Auditorium. The graduates completed courses in Office Skills/ Computer Application, General Culinary Skills, Small Engine Mechanics, Plumbing, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration and House Wiring.

In his remarks, the Minister told the graduates that one advantage of having completed those courses is the easy transitioning over to being an entrepreneur. “With the right experience, it is not inconceivable that any of you here today in the next three years will be in a position to start your own businesses.”

He told the students that over the past months he came across a new word that is used by many young individuals around the Caribbean and world who start their own business, “Solopreneur, which means an individual running a one man show.”

As a result of discovering this word, Hon. Walwyn said that it opened his eyes to many new opportunities for the people of the Virgin Islands. He encouraged the graduates to become ‘solopreneurs’ and to make something of themselves.

“It is easy for me to say that one of our graduates can get a few business cards, be listed in the phone book and begin to market themselves as a skilled professional offering a valuable service to this community.”

Hon. Walwyn told the students that should they take the path of working for someone or a company, they need to be the best person in their field and to be a valuable asset to the company. He added that “an employer expects to hire an employee that will fit into the culture of the organisation, one who is willing to learn and is able to take constructive criticism and at the end of the day add value to the services that the organisation provides to the communities and the VI on a whole.”

He stated that since elected as Minister it has been his vision to rebuild the community’s idea of technical and vocational professions. He added that the Government is working on enhancing opportunities in the education system that caters to the trade industry.

[slideshow]

“The people of the Virgin islands are unaware of the lucrative opportunities within these industries.” He added that the graduates of the TVET programme are taking control of those opportunities and are bettering themselves.

In encouragement, he told the students to return to HLSCC in the future to take additional courses that can support their careers and their advancements. Hon. Walwyn congratulated the 37 graduates and commended them on their hard work and determination to make something of themselves.

Meanwhile, President of HLSCC, Dr. Karl Dawson advised the graduates to stay away from drugs and alcohol and to focus on their careers and dreams. “If you wish others to see you as responsible then act responsible.”

Dr. Dawson informed the students that their skills gained and completed in the TVET programme are much needed in society. He added that the programme is not simply to develop skills for skills sake, but they must put them to good use so that they can benefit greatly from their talents and the community as a whole.

He told them that having completed their training in various fields, this is the beginning of the journey and there are many more steps to take before reaching where they want to be.

Keynote speaker of the evening Mrs. Shereen Flax-Charles of Virgin Gorda, encouraged the graduates to work hard for what they want in life and do not give up. She added that nothing comes easy.

“Perseverance is the key. You have to stick with it to see results.”

Amongst the 37 students, individual graduates where awarded for being top of their classes.

Roland Nobrega and Shaquil Samuel were awarded for House Wiring, Jelani Leonard for Air Conditioning and Refridgeration, Nicola Bailey and Deshawne Douglas for General Culinary Skill, Vidal Farington for Small Engine Mechanics and George Smith for Plumbing.