The Parent Teacher’s Association of the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School held an informative session for members on Wednesday, June 16th, 2010 at the Rodney MacArthur Rey Auditorium. The session focused on providing parents with information on the future of the job market in Anguilla, how to pursue avenues for post-secondary education and the options available for financing post-secondary education.

The three invited speakers were Labour Commissioner, Mr. Russel Reid, Public and Training Officer, Mrs. Oronica Hughes and Mrs. Anita Martin-Ruan of the Career Guidance Unit, who all shared detailed information with the audience. The impetus for this meeting was the decreasing motivation of students to achieve at the highest level. It was hoped that based on information provided, parents would educate their children on the importance of a sound education in securing a good future.

In a well organized presentation, Mr. Russel Reid stated that Anguilla’s current economy employs people primarily in Government, the Hotel/ Restaurant Sector, Banking, Utility Sector and some light industry such as fishing and vegetable production. During the downsizing in some sectors, employers have invariable held on to employees who were not only qualified and trained, but also had the “soft skills” of having good communication and interpersonal skills, being team players, having a good work ethic, demonstrating willingness to learn, had respect for authority, and possessed critical thinking/analytical skills. Based on the number of work permits being issued in different areas, the Labour Commissioner felt that there were many careers available for young people in Anguilla (if they obtained training) in the following areas: Accounting, Human Resources Management, Food and Beverage Management, Nursing and other Medical field, Teaching, Information Communication Technology, Engineering, Hotel Management, Maintenance, Banking, Spa Therapy, Farming, Marketing, Office Management and Law to name a few.

Mrs. Oronica Hughes urged parents to encourage their children to do well at school in order to take advantage of the different scholarships and financial assistance packages offered by the Government of Anguilla. Mrs. Hughes outlined the differences between Financial Assistance (which was a maximum of EC$15,000 per year) versus scholarships which would cover full educational costs (tuition, books, accommodation, meals etc). Scholarships were awarded based on the priority areas identified by the Government. Mrs. Hughes also noted that one of the benefits of obtaining Government assistance was the fact that you did not have to repay a loan for 15 years, instead you only had to give 3 to 5 years service to your country upon completion of your program.

Mrs. Anita Martin-Ruan of the Career Guidance Unit explained that in the PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) classes offered at the school fifth formers are trained in the preparation of resumes, the interview process, appropriate dress and work ethics. Students were also provided with information on websites listing post-secondary schools in UK, USA and Canada, procedures for applying to these schools, the advantages of sixth form in reducing the length of time for an undergraduate programme, and even the procedure for applying for a U.S students visa. Mrs. Martin-Ruan stressed the importance of being properly trained at the post secondary level, whether for a plumbing or accounting job, as positive attitudes and “creditable” qualifications would place students at an unarguable advantage when it comes to obtaining jobs in any sector of the economy. She strongly stated that parents’ economic status is no longer a barrier to children obtaining post secondary training or education as, apart from Government assistance, the local banks offer student or other loans which will allow students to access postsecondary education.

The overarching theme through all presentations was the need to motivate our young people to do well in school and become trained to take advantage of the jobs available in Anguilla. At present, some of the jobs are being filled by non-Anguillians because trained and/or qualified Anguillians are not available. When both parents and educators provide children with a goal of working hard at school and obtaining appropriate training, then our children will secure a future, by being qualified for jobs available in the different industries on island.

The ALHCS PTA hopes the next phase will consist of individual businesses going to the high school to inform students of jobs available in their sector, outlining the qualifications/training needed and to explain or demonstrate what is done on a typical day for a person holding that job.

By: L.J. Hughes
Member of ALHCS PTA

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