The Tribune

NEARLY 700 high school students explored career opportunities in industries ranging from tourism and maritime ser- vices to healthcare and technology during the fifth annual Innovate Grand Bahama High School Career Fair.

The event, hosted by the Ministry for Grand Bahama at the City of Life on October 15, brought together 23 businesses and government agencies to provide students in grades nine through 12 with information about career paths and employment opportunities.

Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey encouraged students to take advantage of the event, noting that millions of dollars are being invested in tourism, maritime services, healthcare, education and infrastructure on the island.

She said the career fair was established five years ago to help prepare young Bahamians to participate in the island’s developing economy.

“We created a platform

where companies con- nected with bright young minds and link career preparation to economic development happening on the island,” Ms Moxey said.

She stressed that pre- paring students for future employment requires exposing them to different industries and the skills needed to enter them.

“The Government of The Bahamas is focused on bridging our nation’s skills gap now more than ever. Building a stronger economy requires more than attracting investments in development and restructure. It also requires investing in people and preparing our youth to par- ticipate in the economy we are building,” she said.

Participating organisa- tions included the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Ministry of Tourism, Freeport Container Port, Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation, Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority, Celebration Key, Buckeye Partners, Bahamas Customs, Freeport Airport Development, Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute, Bahamas Immigration, Grand Bahama Shipyard, JMAC Construction, Grand Bahama Power Company, Grand Bahama Health Services and Waterkeepers Bahamas.

Students also received information about careers in medicine, nursing and dentistry.

Ms Moxey highlighted other government initiatives aimed at preparing young people for employment, including the Innovate242 Agricultural Initiative, Maritime 101 Cadet Programme and the recently introduced Young Innovators Club National Pilot Programme, which involves students in Grand Bahama, New Providence and Abaco.

She said the programmes were designed to help students develop practical skills, explore their interests and prepare for careers in emerging and established industries.

Ms Moxey also thanked participating businesses, government agencies and industry representatives for sharing their knowledge and experience with students.

“Your willingness to share your knowledge, experiences and professional insights can make lasting difference in the life of a student discovering a career path for the first time," she said.