Human resource professionals, job seekers and contractors gathered in Cruz Bay to consider ways to produce a skilled workforce in the Virgin Islands. Friday’s session on St. John was the third in a series sponsored by the Virgin Islands Labor Department.
About 40 people filled the seats at the Cleone Creque Legislative Conference Room for the Governor’s Workforce Development Summit. They gathered to hear panel discussions, attend workshops and learn about training opportunities.
Labor Commissioner Gary Molloy moderated one of the morning panel discussions on strategies for building resilient workforce development. “We have to make sure that every Virgin Islander who wants a job, who needs a job should be able to get a job,” the commissioner said.
Charlene Hodge, director of Workforce Development for the Labor Department, said the most apparent challenge is a shortage of available workers. With an estimated workforce of 42,000, she said, about 40,000 are already employed. That leaves about 2,000 people who, if properly trained, could fill the needs of employers seeking skilled labor.
The labor shortage is especially keen on St. John, where one Labor representative said the potential labor pool is listed in double digits. “We only have 26 postings on St. John, but I’m pretty much sure we have more jobs than 26,” said Assistant Workforce Development Director Deitra Powell.
She said one of her duties was to engage the island’s employers and let them know about the resources offered by her agency that might help them meet their needs for skilled workers.
One of the greatest challenges, Hodge said, was trying to place applicants with immediate needs, like providing for their families, but lacking the skills needed to produce a living wage. Training is available, she said, but training takes time.
Molloy urged employers to register their opportunities with the Labor Department. By doing so, he said, job listings can be posted on the agency’s web-based directory, where more potential employees can see them.
Job training advisors were also on hand with information on where job seekers can sign up for skill development courses. Advisor Troy Felicien showed off a list of training classes offered by 13 different resources, including Wheatley Skills Center.
The most popular courses, he said, are medical assistant and air conditioning and refrigeration systems. There was also a culinary arts program offered through UVI’s Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning.
Interest in training opportunities was apparent at the St. Croix session held Tuesday and Thursday’s session on St. Thomas, Felicien said.
The Friday session moderated by Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach ended with a panel discussion with a view to the future, highlighting the needs of the local marine industry.
