Careers Week 2016 closes on memorable note |30 July 2016

• 94 students  of the TVET Phase 1 programme awarded certificates

Careers Week 2016 came to a close on a memorable note yesterday morning  in a   ceremony full of excitement organised to coincide with the presentation of certificates to 94 students from the 10 secondary schools around the country who have followed and completed a two-year Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) phase 1 progamme.

The ceremony took place at the International Conference Centre (ICCS) in the presence of high level officials from the Ministry of Education, career teachers and some parents.

The majority of the students have secured placements and are following courses of their choice at the different professional centres.

The aim is to provide them with as many opportunities to learn about the many career paths and to guide them to make the right career choices.

The theme for this year’s Careers Week was ‘Choosing the right career for me and my country’.

During yesterday’s ceremony guests and students present were able to learn more about the TVET programme which was introduced in 2011 by the Ministry of Education to give vocational education training and support to less academically gifted students at secondary level.

TVET’s acting coordinator Philippe Belle gave an overview of the programme which has helped more than 800 students since its launch.

Mr Belle highlighted the successes of the programme, its numerous challenges which include finding competent people to run the programme, difficulties at school level to have the programme accepted, difficulties to find work placement for the students and the need for more public education and awareness of the TVET programme.

Mr Belle stressed on the need for more stakeholders to come on board to make the programme more successful as well as the need for a review of its curriculum.

Two students, Shamila Alcindor and Jonathan Julie who are both currently following an apprenticeship training course in food production and culinary art at the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA), shared their experience of the programme and noted how it has guided them on their career path.

Shamila, who aspires to be a qualified pastry cook, is well on the way to realising her dreams.

“It was not easy at first but you need to remain focused and committed. I am really grateful for the programme which has really helped me a lot,” she told the audience.

She recalled her work attachment at Maia Resort where she said the fact that she was treated like any other hotel employee gave a boost to her confidence and helped her develop the necessary skills she needs for the job.

As for Jonathan, who is presently working at Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove, his dream is to become a good cook an in spite of all the challenges, he too is grateful for the opportunity TVET has provided him.

In a vote of thanks on behalf of all her fellow students, Kelly-Anne Ah-Kong, a student from Mont Fleuri secondary school, expressed gratitude and appreciation  to everyone who have committed themselves to making the programme a success for the students.

She called on all students enrolled on the programme to make the most of it so they can become what they want to be.

“Career opportunities are plentiful in our country and we should grab them,” she told her colleagues.

In remarks to officially close the fruitful and eventful week, Jean Alcindor, the director general for education and student support services, said even though the week has come to an end “our effort  and determination to provide  students with quality career education and guidance is an ongoing pedagogical engagement”.

He added that the education ministry remains committed and determined to ensure that our school leavers exit our educational institutions well informed and equipped with the relevant knowledge, skills and competencies required by higher education institutions and the world of work.

He noted that the chosen theme for this year was fitting as many activities organised encapsulated this theme very well.

He said he was encouraged by and commended  the good collaboration with  different organisations employing and mentoring TVET students which resulted in them providing the students opportunities to tour their facilities and attended various career guidance sessions.

He congratulated the students on their achievements and on behalf of the education ministry he expressed sincere gratitude to students, teachers, heads of education institutions, the Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development, workplaces, different organisations, companies who have organised and hosted  activities, talks, presentations to continue to inform students on career opportunities.