MEET KINSON ROCQUE
Kinson Rocque is a 19-year-old college graduate from the southern community of Scotts Head, Dominica where he resides with his parents. At the start of 2022, Kinson successfully graduated from the Youth Development Division (YDD) where he was a trainee in the SkYE supported Electrical Installation training programme.
LEARNING FIRST AND EARNING LATER
Before joining the training, Kinson already had interests in electrical skills. During his tenure at college, he was engaged in part-time employment with an electrical contractor. After completing college studies, he planned to transition into full time employment. However, while at a local hardware store, he learned about the SkYE training and the opportunity to become certified in the electrical field.
Making the decision to return to school rather than go to work full time was tough as Kinson wanted to commence long-term employment to assist his family financially but his drive for certification was greater. Kinson said, “I wanted to attain a higher level of qualification in my trade and expand my knowledge. I was determined to get written proof and certification that I can perform this skill. My family was very supportive of my decision and I am sure that my skill will benefit my community as I am now well exposed to the trade”.
Kinson being awarded with a tool bag and electrical tools
Kinson persevered tremendously at the training and was always eager to learn and gain new experiences. When asked directly about his thoughts on the course, Kinson said, “I acquired many skills in the trade such as surface wiring, in-wall wiring and basic solar installations. It has greatly improved some of the things that I already knew about the trade and advanced me further by providing more experience”. At the end of the four-month training, he copped the award of “Outstanding Trainee” and received a tool bag and electrical tools.
FUTURE ENDEAVOURS
Now that training is completed, Kinson is ready to set defined goals for his future. His plan is to open a business and provide electrical services all over Dominica. He also intends to be that spark in the future of others by providing young skilled people with employment opportunities. Kinson expressed his gratitude to the training providers for the programme and encourages the government and the public and private sectors to continue to support the skills training programme. He said “I know that being certified will help me and other young people like me in our development and open doors for opportunities in the future.
FACTS
Skills for Youth Employment (SkYE) is a four-year, UKaid funded programme to provide certified skills training for 6,000 disadvantaged young people, including those challenged by disability, in four Eastern Caribbean countries: Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent & the Grenadines. The Programme will develop a more productive and inclusive workforce in sectors with good economic growth potential.
SkYE is supporting national training authorities and training providers to make systemic improvements to the development, delivery and quality assurance of technical, vocational education and training (TVET) in the four focus islands through targeted capacity building.
