The Tribune

JUST one year into his educational journey at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and Bryan Dillett is already reaping the rewards of studying Information Technology (IT) Management.

He boasts of having achieved several certifications including CompTIA IT Fundamentals and Cisco Introduction to the Internet of Things (IoT).

“I don’t have a degree as yet, but to have certifications is amazing within itself,” said the 17-year-old who aspires to become a Mechanical Engineer but sees IT as fundamental to his career goals.

“I intend to incorporate IT into Engineering. I believe IT and artificial intelligence (AI) go together,” said Bryan.

An admirer of Lockheed Martin - an American aerospace, arms, defense, information security and technology corporation - Bryan is being strategic about his studies.

“I am a history fanatic and I love the military. It may seem farfetched but Lockheed Martin combines my engineering and IT passions with my love of the military and history,” he stated.

Bryan then recounted some of the benefits of his BTVI journey.

“At first, there were foreign concepts. My brain was like, ‘Whoa! What is this?’ But I’ve learned about different hard drives and setting up several in a computer in case one fails, I’ve learned about the intricacies of different operating systems, navigating command prompts and how to install various operating systems on one unit,” he stated.

Bryan said he is being prepared for a dynamic career by great instructors including Craig Albury, who was BTVI’s 2023 Faculty of the Year (New Providence). Mr. Albury is the Certification Exam Procter in BTVI’s Certification Centre, and he teaches IT and Business courses.

“I have some of the best teachers. Mr Albury is funny and a very good mentor. My first semester I was a bit intimidated, but he made me comfortable. He made me feel included. He felt like a father figure in a sense. I have him again this semester, which makes it even better” said the young man who has a 3.4 cumulative grade point average (GPA).

Mr Albury spoke of his role beyond the curriculum.

“Treating our students with respect is crucial. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple gesture like a pat on the back or a few encouraging words to let the student know ‘You can do it.’ When they look back on the journey, they will be amazed at how far they have come with a little extra help from instructors. I am just trying to humanize our students and encourage them to be the best they can,” said Mr. Albury.

Additionally, it was Bryan’s mother, Shianne Rolle, who introduced him to BTVI. Though he has intrinsic motivation, he partially credits her for his drive.

“If God says, ‘Let’s give you a new mother’ and showed me a line up, I would choose my mother every time. She sacrifices so much. It isn’t easy raising four kids. She is a praying mother who anoints us with oil. I want to succeed for me, but also for her,” said the mannerly young man.