Fourth Annual Nevis Youth Career Expo Showcases Career Opportunities for Students

The 4th Annual Nevis Youth Career Expo (NYCE), held on March 7, 2025, served as a dynamic platform connecting Nevisian students with a wide spectrum of career possibilities. The event, targeting fifth form high school students and those attending the Nevis Sixth Form College, drew approximately 250 students and 40 participating businesses, creating a vibrant atmosphere of exploration and interaction. The Expo’s core objective was to bridge the gap between education and the professional world, offering students direct access to professionals in both traditional and emerging fields. This direct engagement allowed students to pose questions, gain firsthand insights into various industries, and begin charting their future academic and career paths. Beyond simply presenting career options, the NYCE also fostered an entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging students to consider self-employment and business ownership as viable pathways.

Premier Mark Brantley, a strong supporter of the initiative, lauded the event for its youth-driven approach. He emphasized the importance of empowering young people to shape their own futures and contribute to the island’s progress. Recognizing the valuable role of youth perspectives, he commended the organizers for creating a platform where students could directly connect with professionals and explore their potential. The Premier highlighted the significance of such initiatives in fostering youth development and shaping the future of Nevis. He particularly praised the strong participation from the business community, demonstrating their commitment to investing in the next generation of professionals.

Gabriella Brantley, founder and co-director of the NYCE, and the Honourable Senator Jahnel Nisbett, Minister of Community Affairs and Social Development, spearheaded the event through a collaborative effort. Their partnership, along with the involvement of various government departments, underscored the event’s importance as a community-wide endeavor. Ms. Brantley articulated the Expo’s aim to broaden students’ horizons by exposing them to diverse career fields, including both established and emerging professions. The event’s design facilitated meaningful interactions between students and professionals, enabling students to gain practical insights into various career paths and make more informed decisions about their future studies and employment prospects.

The Expo showcased a comprehensive range of career options, encompassing traditional fields like banking and finance, law, and medicine, alongside emerging areas such as robotics, information technology, and creative industries like fashion and design. This broad spectrum provided students with a holistic view of the professional landscape, equipping them to make informed choices aligned with their interests and aptitudes. The inclusion of entrepreneurial opportunities further expanded the scope of the event, inspiring students to consider business ownership and self-employment as viable career paths.

The event’s success was amplified through its public-private partnership model, bringing together key government institutions and private sector businesses. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Education, the Legal Department, Alexandra Hospital, the Ministry of Tourism, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, Fire and Rescue Services, Medical Universities of the Americas, insurance companies, robotics specialists, medical laboratories, and tour operators. This collaborative approach demonstrated a shared commitment to nurturing the future workforce and fostering a thriving local economy.

The 4th Annual Nevis Youth Career Expo served as a crucial stepping-stone for Nevisian students as they navigate their transition from education to the professional sphere. By providing a platform for direct interaction with industry professionals, exploring diverse career pathways, and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, the NYCE played a pivotal role in equipping students with the knowledge, resources, and inspiration to shape their future careers and contribute to the island’s continued growth. The event’s success highlighted the importance of community collaboration and the profound impact of investing in the future generation of Nevisian professionals.