Scores of school leavers, the majority of whom are expected to join the workforce, where possible, in the tight employment environment in Anguilla, have been drilled in the manner in which they should seek entry into the island’s job market.
The fifth and sixth form students, from the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, gathered at Dorack’s Place at Katouche Bay for a two-day workshop and opening ceremony. The event enforced much, if not all, of what they had learnt in the classroom about appearance and attitude on the job.
Mrs. Anita Ruan, Careers Coordinator in the Department of Education, based at the Comprehensive School, was the introductory speaker at the opening ceremony. She reminded the school leavers of the times when they were lectured in such matters as job application, the interview process, job skills and performance – and said that the time had now come for them to demonstrate what they were taught.
Commissioner of Labour, Mrs. Aunika Webster-Lake, whose Department collaborated with the Education Department in organising the workshop, told the school leavers that they had begun a new chapter in their lives. She exhorted them to stay away from negative attitudes and patterns in the workplace and in the way they live. “Work hard. No job or task is too small or beneath you,” she told them. “As you begin this new chapter, I beg you to write it well. May this be one of your best chapters in your book entitled LIFE, and may it be one of the best chapters for the body of Anguilla.”
Minister of Labour, Mrs Cora Richardson-Hodge, said that for the school leavers the workshop represented a crossing from school to the workplace; for the teachers a final push intended to assist the outgoing students in their future endeavours; for employers a reinforcement of the skills they need in the workplace; and for parents, their beloved children coming of age and entering the working world. She cautioned the job seekers about their appearance and attitude on the job which could affect their performance.
“For some school leavers, going into the job force may not be the final step,” the Labour Minister continued: “Some of you may be interested in going off to university or a trade school, but need to work for a little while in order to obtain some earnings to help pay for school. For those persons, I would offer the same advice: work hard, earn experience and develop a skill while you are in the workforce. You will be remembered, and your positive and hard-working attitude will precede you.”
The feature address was delivered by Reverend Lindsay Richardson, Correctional Officer at Her Majesty’s Prison. He recapped his address as follows: “Strive to get a job and recognise that you may have to take what get until you get what you want. Respect those in authority over you. If you feel disrespected and you can’t handle it, then you have the right to quit. If you can tolerate it because you have a plan to move on in the short term, then return respect in spite of the disrespect you receive – and when the time comes resign and move on. Respect for others is possible only if you have respect for yourself. So know who you are; know what you are about; believe in yourself; respect yourself; and you can achieve anything in life.
“And now one more point which you have heard a million times, but from now on will become most relevant: It is your attitude – not you aptitude – that will determine your altitude in life.”
Earlier in the programme, the opening prayer was said by the Reverend Dr. Wycherley Gumbs who later delivered one of his motivational poems.
The workshop, which followed the opening ceremony, included the following subject areas: How Social Media Defines You by Mr. Rudy Webster; Customer Service and Work Ethics by Mr. Christopher Richardson and Ms. Carla C. Rogers; Anger Management and Communication in the Workplace by Dr. Linda Banks and Ms. Sandra York Gumbs; Using Skills to make a Living by Mr David Carty; Entrepreneurial Showcase by Bren Romney; and Dress for the Occasion by Ms Sharon Lake.
The school leavers were represented with certificates at the end of the two-day workshop.
