Project description
The WorldSkills Barbados (WSB) Juniors Future Skills Camp is an innovative early-intervention initiative designed to transform public perceptions of TVET and bridge the digital skills gap for youth aged 10–16. The camp introduces young people to skills and careers at an early age that are not currently accessible in secondary school. These digital skills being offered are required for a workforce to be digitally ready and globally competitive. This camp provides young people with exposure to new and exciting skills, skills required for a digital future, an insight into diverse career options, and opportunities to meet and engage with other young people with similar interests. Research has shown that students in Barbados are introduced to TVET too late in their lives and therefore are unable to compete adequately with the rest of the world. This camp matters because it improves awareness and participation in TVET at earlier stages. The delivery model increases engagement from youth as it is project-based and focuses on what participants know and can do, leading to tangible outcomes. Another major feature of the camp is that facilitators are also young people, further facilitating participant engagement by showing that the pathways are accessible to youth as well. The camp also improves brand awareness for WorldSkills and creates a pipeline for advanced skills development and sustainability for participation in the Competition.