In the month of August youths who were interested in furthering their studies could sign up for one of the six SBO/ASVE (advanced secondary vocational education) courses that will start this school year: Maritime Assistant Level 1, Cook Level 2, ICT Computer Service Level 2, Carpentry Level 2 for students with a PSVE PBL diploma, Bookkeeping Level 3 and Secretary Level 3 for PSVE PKL or TKL graduates.
Apart from the ICT service course the classes will be held in daytime and the courses will require fulltime involvement of the students. In all courses practical training will be a major part of the study. Companies that will take on these trainees will be asked to give the students some compensation for the work that they are doing.
There are still some spaces available for the following three year courses such as: Bookkeeping 3 (financial administration) and Secretary 3, slated to start in September. Furthermore students can still sign up for the two year course ICT computer service Level 2, slated to start in January 2011.
The administration courses are English versions of the recognized programs of the College of the Dutch Caribbean; a Curacao based SBO School that successfully provides SBO courses to 700 students. The ICT course was developed by SMITH and will be working towards achieving the A+ and Networking Certified standards.
Students can send an email to sxmacademysbo@gmail.com and SBO coordinator Ramonda Hanze of FAVE/St Maarten Academy will email back with a date for an appointment.
PSVE-PBL graduates who are technically inclined are welcomed to sign up for the Carpentry Level2 course that will be organized by SVOBE, in a well equipped carpentry workshop at Milton Peters College. This recognized two year course will enhance students with the carpentry skills needed on the construction site or to work as a joiner.
The SBO courses in culinary arts (Chef 2) and the Maritime Assistant Course Level1 have attracted many interested students, actually more than can be placed. Therefore some of these students will be added to a waiting list or will be referred to other courses.
Students can send an email to goslinga55@hotmail.com and coordinator Cees Goslinga of MPC will reply with a possible date for an appointment.
For more information on current and future courses students can visit SBO Service Center, above Carls & Sons in Philipsburg or call 5430498.
SBO courses are being developed with Dutch Developments Funds for the Youth and Education Program and are addressing specific needs of the St Maarten labor market.
Next year SBO Service Center is planning to develop Bookkeeping and Secretary Level4, Salesperson Level 2, All Round Technician/Maintenance Level 2, Logistics Level 2, Nursing Level 3 (LPN). Ongoing courses that will be finalized within the coming school year are Caregiver Level 1 and 2 (SIFMA), Nursing Assistant Level 2 and Electro Level 2 (SVOBE).