October 24, 2016
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GAIN AN EDGE – Sophia Walker: BTVI helping to boost and enhance employment skills
IT has been over ten years since Sophia Walker began serving on Programme Advisory Committees (PAC) of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI).
GAIN AN EDGE: A band of brothers - and sisters - achieve their common dream
FOCUS (Forward and Onward to College Upward to Success) is a college access programme of Lyford Cay Foundations, made possible by the generosity of donors. This year the very first cohort of students completes high school and moves forward to college. This is their story.
GAIN AN EDGE: Now it’s time to give back
“I want to give back to my country,” said Jared Symonette, top Accounting graduate of the University of The Bahamas (UB) and Governor General awardee.
GAIN AN EDGE: Achieving college dreams through summer learning
Thanks to StemForce Bahamas, a grant from Lyford Cay Foundations and support from other donors, Bahamian public-school students like Carmetta Barry have developed a passion for learning science while also carving a path to higher education.
GAIN AN EDGE: Alexis determined to break the mould
While the recent trend in The Bahamas is that women are acquiring greater access to higher education, University of The Bahamas (UB) research suggests that in the workplace, women continue to face discrimination in the form of lower incomes when compared with men.
GAIN AN EDGE: With a trade you’ll always have money in your pocket
As someone whose mother initially wanted him to become a doctor or an electrical engineer, Christian Knowles is proof that the recipe to thrive is having a passion combined with the determination to pursue it.
GAIN AN EDGE: Kristal’s battle to tackle Bahamas’ plastic pollution
Kristal Ambrose is a changemaker. She has participated in research conferences around the world and has been recognized for her fight in ending plastic pollution. Kristal’s advocacy and the work of a Bahamian non-profit she founded have also been featured in international publications showcasing the work of environmental innovators.
GAIN AN EDGE: Born to unlock the world of literacy for everyone
Having strong literacy skills are important if people want to pursue higher education and advance in their careers, according to reading specialist and Dean of Social and Educational Studies at the University of The Bahamas (UB), Dr Ruth Sumner.
GAIN AN EDGE: Lynette’s making her mark in among the men
Being a woman in a technical class traditionally dominated by men is not easy. Lynette Albury knows that all too well.
GAIN AN EDGE: Jasmine’s rich reward for a leap of faith
Jasmine Bain’s life was a model of success. With 18 years of experience as a chef at Atlantis, Jasmine had worked her way up to a head pastry chef position while also teaching pastry and baking courses at the College of The Bahamas. It would have been easy to simply coast with her associate’s degree in culinary arts under her belt, numerous certifications in her field and the respect of colleagues.
GAIN AN EDGE: Telling the stories of our nation’s history
As the nation’s key centre of learning, University of The Bahamas offers higher education opportunities for Bahamians while also offering resources to explore the impact of our country’s rich history.
GAIN AN EDGE: Chasing the dream is no accident, just design
Having the perseverance to dive deep into one’s passion bringing it to life can lead to wondrous possibilities. This was the case for Tonique Farrington, whose love for fashion started to blossom at a young age.
GAIN AN EDGE: Chasing dreams from New Providence to Acklins
FOCUS is Lyford Cay Foundations’ out-of-school time, tuition-free enrichment programme. It provides college readiness and access support to public school students of demonstrated need and potential. Students, who are accepted through a multi-faceted selection process, begin the programme the summer after Grade 4, with the goal of becoming the first in their families to achieve post-secondary education.
GAIN AN EDGE: Princeton’s proof of just what’s possible
When Princeton Boston entered the gates of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) in 2010, he was focused. By summer of the following year, he had earned a certificate in auto mechanics with his sights set on college abroad. Today, Princeton is a mechanical engineer at Benteler Automotive, a German manufacturer for exhaust systems in Michigan.
GAIN AN EDGE: How BTVI’s teaching gave Valentino the chance to climb the ladder of success
Before Valentino Burrows enrolled at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), he admits to “floating through life.” He began his post-secondary pursuits at a local institution of higher learning, but it was not a good fit for him. It was not until he began classes at BTVI that he began soaring.
GAIN AN EDGE: From intern to mentor in seven short years
Seven years ago, Krista Newbold began a journey to help students become college-ready. Little did she know that during the process, she would also become a student, learning invaluable lessons that would shape the way she teaches and connects with her students.
Top Tips for Landing the First Job After Graduation
COLLEGE graduation is an exciting milestone that marks years of preparation, hard-work and sacrifice for both students and their families. However, the celebration of success is often short-lived for graduates as they anxiously turn their thoughts to what the next steps should be.
GAIN AN EDGE: The degree that keeps on helping
Imagine having completed your Information Technology (IT) Management degree two years ago, yet what you learned then still helps you solve issues today.
GAIN AN EDGE: Scholarship that opened doors
Lyford Cay scholar Justin Jack didn’t always envision himself going to college when he was growing up in the small settlement of Bluff, South Andros. His community was modest and unassuming. Some neighbours cooked their food with a wood fire and most provided for their needs through self-employment in fishing and crabbing. A college education was not one of Justin’s early aspirations.
GAIN AN EDGE: Steady hands and a leap of faith
It’s not every day one hears the story of how an undergraduate Bio-Chem major – in pursuit of a career as a cardiothoracic surgeon – is not the optimal choice for the ambitious young heroine, but the story of Candilaria Thompson is just such a story. It’s a story about jumping off cliffs. It’s an adventure story.
GAIN AN EDGE: Breaking the mould - Natalie shows a bit of girl power
Natalie Smith initially wondered how she was perceived. As a Construction Technology major, she stepped into many predominantly male classes at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI). The reaction and comments from a few peers were indicative of the stereotypical view of certain careers.
GAIN AN EDGE: The perfect career is within your reach
You have big dreams – that’s why you’ve been thinking about college. You’ve discovered a secret that many don’t know. You’ve discovered graduating from college is key to unlocking career doors in this rapidly changing world.
GAIN AN EDGE: Securing the skills the global economy wants
As economies grow, countries are forced to change and make adjustments to national plans in order to benefit from this growth.
GAIN AN EDGE: Scholarship helps Ryan’s journey roll on
As a beach attendant at a local hotel in Bannerman Town, Eleuthera, Ryan Romon Rolle vividly recalls long, hot days in the scorching sun dragging beach chairs in the sand while serving guests with a smile. The 2014 high school graduate was determined to save enough money to allow him to one day attend the then College of The Bahamas (COB).
GAIN AN EDGE - Setbacks: A set-up for success
POVERTY, illiteracy and discrimination because of her Haitian roots were grim realities young Jennifer Cassandra Pierre Wilson faced growing up in The Bahamas.
GAIN AN EDGE: College isn’t just for the lucky few
The lucky few with good grades and rich families - that’s who goes to college, right? Wrong!
GAIN AN EDGE: Kristin learns the value of education
Life for Kristin Bethel has not been without its challenges. He grew up with no father in the home, and had a lot of built up frustration and unmanaged anger.
GAIN AN EDGE: Making the transition to university life
Valtio Julius Cooper was considered a shy, unassuming high schooler with a brilliant mind. At the tender age of 14, the Nicholl’s Town native and North Andros High School prodigy achieved five BGCSE’s inclusive of Mathematics and English while only in grade 11.
GAIN AN EDGE: Using the slow days of summer to fast track your dreams
Summertime isn’t just a time to unwind and relax. It’s also the perfect time to lay the groundwork for college and your future career! Whether you’re a high school student who is just starting to think about college or you’re already in the workforc
GAIN AN EDGE: Historic Moment
A TOTAL of 790 students marked the end of one chapter of their education at the inaugural Commencement Class of the University of The Bahamas.
GAIN AN EDGE: Dual role for High School students
BTVI's Dean of Construction Trades and Workforce Alexander Darville shares information and answers questions about the institution's programme, which was reintroduced in 2015.
GAIN AN EDGE: A prescription for a brighter future
A Lyford Cay Foundations scholar aims to serve through medical technology . . .
GAIN AN EDGE: Take the challenge of TVET - it’s worth it
Vital lessons can be learned at The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute in pursuing education . . .
GAIN AN EDGE: UB graduate has designs on leadership
On May 25, University of The Bahamas will host its historic first commencement ceremony since its charter on November 10, 2016 . . .
GAIN AN EDGE: Keys to a career in hospitality
This month’s guest writer Nadene Charlton, an experienced Human Resources Director with Atlantis, outlines how to succeed in hospitality and the importance of continuing education at every level.
GAIN AN EDGE: How service and extracurricular activity can help job seekers
Employers are looking for interests beyond the classroom in potential recruits so the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute is providing help . . .
GAIN AN EDGE: Creating a well-rounded student
Ambitious plans at the University of the Bahamas will open many avenues to graduates . . .
GAIN AN EDGE: It’s all about academics – busting the big college myth
All you have to do is graduate at the top of your class, and then the college doors will swing wide open while scholarship dollars fall into your lap. Right?
GAIN AN EDGE: Career opportunities with a UB degree
Through her 33 years in the Counselling Services Department (CSD), Career and Placement Counsellor Norma Turnquest has guided thousands of students during their university journey. She not only mentors but also advises students how to land a great job and build an enjoyable career.
GAIN AN EDGE: How BTVI helps lay the foundations for a career
Technical vocational education training can help everyone, from fashion designers to plumbers . . .
GAIN AN EDGE: Finding where the jobs are
The Lyford Cay Foundations offers three tips for students on mapping out their progress to career success.
GAIN AN EDGE - Why I give: Scholarships and philanthropy
Each month, Gain An Edge features a guest writer who will share their views, insights and perspectives on higher education. Darnell Osborne, an alumna of University of The Bahamas, on the transformative power of scholarships and philanthropy.
INSIGHT: Why a university degree doesn’t have to cost you
With more than 40 years experience as a counsellor and educator, Cheryl Carey, Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships at the University of the Bahamas, shares her perspectives on the value of a tertiary education and how financial aid, bursaries and private scholarships are permitting students to achieve post-secondary education.
GAIN AN EDGE – Making college possible: a parent’s perspective
From experience, Charlotte Knowles-Thompson will tell you that you can afford college with careful planning.
GAIN AN EDGE: Why diversified education is key to social equity
Failure to have both TVET and traditional academics available in all school programmes is a disservice to our children and country, says Remiska Wildgoose, English instructor at BTVI . . .
GAIN AN EDGE: A university degree in the comfort of home
The best of all worlds is now available to students righton their doorstep, says the University of The Bahamas . . .
GAIN AN EDGE: The Perfect Fit – Finding the best college for you
There are many factors to consider in choosing where to pursue post-secondary education, as Lyford Cay Foundations explains . . .
GAIN AN EDGE: Creating the next generation of problem solvers
Technical and Vocational Education also involves transferable skills through academic study, as the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute explains . . .
GAIN AN EDGE: High flier Le’Andra pursues her dream
A top scholar explains what it takes to succeed at the University of The Bahamas
GAIN AN EDGE: Preparation is the key to unlocking success in college and beyond
Lyford Cay Foundations suggests a simple three-step guide for students to transform dreams into reality . . .
GAIN AN EDGE: What does this university “thing” mean?
Dr Ian Strachan shares his thoughts on what expectations are realistic after the rebranding of COB . . .
GAIN AN EDGE: The advantage of a degree is not hard to compute
The increasing concerns over cyber security open up opportunities for IT graduates, as one promising Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute student is finding.
GAIN AN EDGE: How college education opens doors to a career
Selvin Basden, a beneficiary of post-secondary education, explains the advantages he sees of that when hiring potential employees . . .
GAIN AN EDGE: Opening the door to work
Dean of Academic Affairs at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), Pleshette McPhee, often says “TVET is the new global currency”.
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