Young Virgin Islanders are missing out on opportunities in the marine sector due to a lack of necessary skills and experience when they graduate from school, according to marine industry expert Compton Wintz. Speaking at a recent marine career workshop organized by Julian Willock and the Third District Committee, Wintz emphasized the importance of integrating practical training into school curriculums. He suggested that students should gain hands-on experience with marine businesses before they finish high school, which would better prepare them for employment.
Wintz highlighted that charter companies need a variety of skilled positions, including mechanics, riggers, and customer service roles. He noted that without recognized skills, new entrants to the industry often start in low-paying jobs, making it difficult to advance. He urged students to stay persistent, even in the face of initial rejections from employers.
The BVI government has previously made efforts to enhance local participation in the marine industry, including a Cabinet decision in 2019 to prioritize trained locals for marine jobs and allocate funds for certification courses. Wintz, who has extensive experience in the field, encouraged students to develop their skills and actively pursue opportunities rather than relying on others for job placement.
