Marva Wheatley-Dawson started her management principle
class on Tuesday with a question. “Do you think if you stay in your own town as a manager you won’t have to interact with people of other cultures?” she asked her classroom of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College students.
Hands shot up, and for the next hour students analysed the impact of globalisation, the effects of which they would experience as managers in the Virgin Islands workplace. Students passionately debated the pros and cons of an interconnected world as their instructor listened approvingly.
Such discussions about theoretical topics are a typical part of the college experience. But Dr. Karl Dawson, HLSCC’s president, said that in addition to important theoretical topics, the college would like to place increasing emphasis on practical skills that employers demand, making students “as work ready as possible.”
The school, which is in its 22nd year of operation, is currently developing a strategic plan to guide its future growth and development. Dr. Dawson said the plan will likely be completed later this year, but educators are already considering measures to link the college experience closer to the workplace. That may mean offering more internships and industry qualifications, he said.
“That’s the kind of promise we’re making: If you finish this, that person will know how to do these things,” he said.
He added that a continued emphasis on workplace skills could attract students who otherwise wouldn’t be motivated to attend college.
“The question has come up: Are we offering the right programmes [for] some of the individuals out there who are unemployed or underemployed?” he said. “Is it that there is a place for them at the college, but we’re not offering the programme or offering it in a way that is attracting them to develop some area or skill?”