On April 3rd, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Ms. Silveria Jacobs attended the 6th Annual Career Fair day at the St. Maarten Vocational Training School. SMVTS has been hosting the career fair to encourage, and assist in the development of the students with regards to their vocational educational and career fields. This year’s theme was “Employability: Your ticket to a brighter future” which was aimed at broadening horizons and the possibilities of seeking employment in an unexpected or unthought-of area or profession. The stakeholders in attendance at the Career Fair 2017 were St. Maarten Medical Center, GEBE, the Fire Department, the Philipsburg Jubilee Library and the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau.
Minister Jacobs pleaded for each students to attend every stakeholder’s booth with an open mind. “Although you may have an idea or have your heart set on a profession, keep an open mind. You may be intrigued by a profession unthought-of.”
Good behavior and attitude was also a topic the Minister stressed on to the students of SMVTS. She encouraged them to always have a smile on their face, and utter the friendly words “Good morning and good afternoon”. “A good attitude can take you a long way. The academic degrees can wither away, but the impression you leave on someone will stay with them forever.”
At the end, Minister Jacobs received a school tour guided by Mrs. Bourne-Gumbs, to the trade sectors the students receive their practical training in.