Beresford “BJ” Woodley is no stranger to the annual Hire BVI Career Expo, which helped him land his current job as a warehouse assistant at Parts & Power.
And on Friday, he was spreading the word about the company as one of many presenters at the expo’s fifth edition at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex.
“With Hire BVI, you will get a job in your field,” he said. “I was looking for a job and I came to Hire BVI — this same expo — and received a job from here.”
Other presenters at the event explained professions ranging from financial services to education, from health care to retail, and many more.
Kadian Farquharson, a corporate trainer for Hire BVI, said the expo is designed to showcase the wide range of career paths available in the territory.
“It exposes new graduates to different job opportunities, because sometimes we may be pigeonholed in the ideas that we have for our future,” she told the Beacon, adding, “That’s what we’re looking forward to doing here: really connecting jobseekers.”
‘New talent’
Tony Tuckett, who accompanied Mr. Woodley at the Parts & Power display, said Hire BVI’s approach works well for the company.
“The main thing we are here today is to try to find new talent, new people, new opportunities to build from the ground up with the futuristic people who are coming out of school,” Mr. Tuckett said.
He also praised Mr. Woodley’s performance.
“This guy is well-rounded,” he said. “Actually, he is the employee of the quarter, and we were privileged to get him through Hire BVI.”
The financial services firm BDO also participated in the expo, with Audit Manager Peejay Javillonar engaging attendees about the accounting profession.
“It seems that they don’t know much about accounting and what the financial services industry is all about, which is a major industry in the BVI,” Mr. Javillonar told the Beacon. “So I think raising awareness is key for them so they can choose the right path.”
One Mart Supermarket took part in the expo for the first time, according to Human Resources Manager Adele Smith.
“Our main purpose here is to just make people aware that One Mart, ‘The people’s store,’ is looking for people for employment in every category,” she said, adding, “The expo is a great place to start when you’re trying to find employment, whether it’s part-time or full-time.”
HLSCC
H. Lavity Stoutt Community College was also represented.
Lecturer Pearlene Fahie explained career choices available through the programmes offered by the Business and Computer Studies Department, where she teaches.
She was accompanied by Jevon Thomas, a computer information systems student who presented a software application he developed.
“Technology is the future for me,” he said. “It has always been a hobby, and it went from a hobby to a passion for me from since I was a boy.”
Mr. Thomas said he aims to pursue a career as a video game designer or an information-technology technician.
“As limited as opportunities seem to get, there are opportunities at the college,” he said. “So I feel that most people should take the opportunity and further their education.”
Nearby, executive assistant Cherese Martin was representing the Robert Mathavious Institute for Financial Services, which offers courses in accounting, financial compliance, corporate governance, anti-money laundering, and related areas.
“Maybe you don’t have the time or money to enroll in a two-year or three-year degree, and you can come to RMI, and you can have a course done in three months,” she said. “And then you’ll have a certification that you can take to your employer.”
Entrepreneurship
Another presenter was BVI Chamber of Commerce Chairwoman Shaina Smith-Archer, who discussed the chamber’s role in supporting aspiring entrepreneurs.
“We believe that entrepreneurship is also a career opportunity that is untapped,” she said.
To help spread the word, Ms. Smith-Archer was distributing resources and guidance on starting a business.
“We definitely want to give people food for thought,” she said, adding, “We’re giving away books about how to become an entrepreneur. We also have some hand notes talking about seven tips to become a business owner, as well as why a business opportunity is probably better than a career opportunity.”
Setting an example
Elmore Stoutt High School guidance counselor Kimra DeWindt said she attended the expo to set an example for her students.
She also took advantage of the free professional headshots offered by Epic Designs & Photography Studio and Khaptured Photography.
“I actually had another appointment scheduled to do it, but when I saw this opportunity, I said to myself that you have to lead by example,” she said.
She added that she encourages ESHS seniors and recent graduates to attend the annual event.
“A lot of opportunities are here showcasing what they offer in the community,” she said. “Anybody can come.”
NPOs repped
Non-profit organisations took part as well. BVI Red Cross Director Stacy Lloyd was on hand to explain opportunities including paid summer internships and positions for cash transfer specialists.
“We are tasked with assisting the Department of Disaster Management when it comes to hurricane preparedness and recovery,” Ms. Lloyd said, adding, “You need to have persons trained in life-saving skills such as CPR, first aid and how to use the AED machine. So if you have persons in your community who can save a life, then your community is even more resilient.”
At another table, Social Security Board Public Relations Officer Charis Hoyte stressed the importance of connecting with the SSB early in one’s career.
“We want persons to know that they have benefits and what their rights and responsibilities are,” Ms. Hoyte said. “Because social security and your employment kind of go hand in hand, social security shouldn’t