NASSAU, Bahamas — One hundred and twenty-three students from private and public schools in New Providence were recently awarded certificates after completing phase one of the government’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) program that will span across three summers.
The three-summer ICT program is the brainchild of Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis. There were 175 students combined between the program in New Providence and Grand Bahama. The students, who were heading into 10th grade, were given the opportunity to gain hands-on training, college credits and international certifications at The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI).
The program is headed by Chair of Information Technology at BTVI, Anthony Ramtulla, who believes the seed has been planted for participants to become the leading experts in Software Engineering, Network Engineering and Information Technology Management in the nation.
BTVI’s chairman, Kevin Basden, thanked the government for creating the innovative environment at no cost to the students. He spoke to the global reach of technology and how they have been given skills to create opportunities for themselves.
“Information Technology (IT) is so broad,” said Mr. Basden. “It touches every industry, every profession. At the end of the day, we need to hone the talent. While we are preparing you for the future, we are preparing you for the now. Don’t restrict yourselves just to this program. There’s a lot to learn on your own. And the workplace might be at home, but it doesn’t stop you from working for international clients.”
Leroy Sumner, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, underscored IT’s importance globally.
“As the government wants to make Grand Bahama a tech hub, the only way we can make that happen is we must start training early so there is less reason to bring in so many expats,” said Mr. Sumner. “IT is one of the fastest growing sectors worldwide. The skills are required by everyone. It is absolutely necessary as part of the workforce and you are filling a skills gap.”
During the six-week, 300-hour training this summer, students were immersed in the Computer Information System Company (CISCO) networking academy, where they received an introduction to cyber security and the Internet of Everything (IoT). The students were also part of the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) Academy, receiving training for IT Fundamentals certification. CompTIA is considered the world’s standard for technology training.
Furthermore, students delved into application development, completing classes in website development, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and the JavaScript language. This was in addition to being introduced to Python, one of the three main programming languages used by Google. Participants also completed the Professional Performance course.
“I must say that for the most part I am happy with the attitude and performance of our students,” said Mr. Ramtulla. “They had to make the sacrifice to invest their time. They were supported by some awesome instructors; these fine men and women sacrificed their summer vacations to participate in this exercise.”
Phase two of the program includes students participating in a blended course this fall and one in spring 2019. These in-between summer segments will mainly be conducted online with students attending face-to-face sessions with instructors every Friday or Saturday.
BTVI’s President, Dr. Robert W. Robertson, noted that the quality of this pilot program has impressed others internationally.
“We have had about five different schools between Canada and the United States expressing interest in this program of which the Board is actively supportive. The future of The Bahamas is in good hands. We have that kind of talent the world is looking for. It is right here,” emphasized Dr. Robertson.
One student, SaMyah Taylor, admitted that initially she wondered if the program was for her. That perspective has since changed.
“I cannot overemphasize the significance of these computer skills, whether in the field of work or in an institution of higher learning. There is also much satisfaction for me, from just being able to sit and devise my own website,” said the 10th grader of Nassau Christian Academy.
“I was able to attain knowledge in different aspects of computer. Those include website making, assembling and reassembling computer parts, protecting information from hackers and writing an impressive resume,” she added.
SaMyah lauded the program as being “timely and relevant,” particularly considering the technological changes facing mankind globally. She gave credit to the BTVI instructors, whom she described as “talented, efficient and caring.”
“They helped calm my fears and made this experience a life-changing one through interactive, relatable and simple methods,” said SaMyah.
