The Barbados Association of Guidance Counsellors (BAGC) has been lauded for continuing to host its National Careers Showcase for students amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
This praise came today from Education Officer, Cyrilene Griffith-Willoughby, as she addressed the Zoom launch for this year’s virtual National Careers Showcase, slated for March 30 and 31, on Microsoft Teams.
Noting that the showcase was one of the major responses of BAGC for preparing students for the world beyond school, she highlighted BAGC’s resilience against the impacts of the last two years.
Mrs. Griffith-Willoughby said: “Like everything else, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a changed format, but this morning’s activity is testimony to the determination of the organisers to ensure the continued exposure of students to opportunities for work and study.”
The Education Officer, who holds responsibility for guidance counselling in schools across the island, commended the president, members of BAGC, and others involved for working tirelessly to make the event come to fruition, despite the many logistical challenges.
“Working in the virtual space has truly given meaning to the world being a global village. This showcase represents the opportunity for our students to explore new possibilities for work and study as they interact with educators and prospective employers locally, regionally and internationally with presenters expected to join from various parts of the world,” Mrs. Griffith-Willoughby stated.
Students and parents were urged to take advantage of the two days, and to gather as much information as possible.
Emphasising the need for them to ask searching questions, to listen, and note the responses given, the official added: “Use that information to complete your options as you move into the senior school, as is the case of the third years, or use the information to map your future, in the case of the seniors, as regards to where you want to study or what you are able to do.”
The Education Officer further noted that the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training recognised that students must be equipped to drive the workforce of the future, as Barbados moved forward in these challenging times.
“They must therefore know what new careers are on the horizon and be aware of avenues for innovation and creativity. They must also appreciate the benefits of networking in this new environment. This virtual National Careers Showcase provides ample opportunity for all of this to be achieved,” said Mrs. Griffith-Willoughby, who also noted that to access the event, which targets third to sixth formers, students must register with their respective schools.