Big support for JGHS Careers fair

John Gray High School had its annual Career Fair on Friday February 21, 2025 and more than 70 entities from both the public and private sectors were in attendance, showcasing their business to the attendees.

Organiser Tania Johnson, Career Advisor, Career Services, Cayman Islands Education Centre, said the objective of the Career Fair was to introduce years 9, 10, and 11 students to a variety of career fields by hosting companies who were there to discuss career pathways and opportunities.

In particular, they were aiming to expose young people to a far wider career range than the traditional lawyer or accountant, which draws many young people in the Cayman Islands, to areas such as jobs in the technical and vocational sectors, the hospitality industry, and government services.

“It’s about exposing them to as many career options as possible,” she advised.

Ms Johnson felt the high uptake by businesses and government departments was because there was now a greater emphasis on attracting young Caymanians into the workforce, especially as the population was growing.

“People are now trying to find ways of encouraging young people to join their organisations, and I think that is one of the reasons we’ve had such a great uptake this year,” she confirmed.

The event is held in conjunction with a series mock interviews held by business people and the students, which help prepare students for real life interviews. Ms Johnson said this was a particular draw for students.

“We’ve seen quite a few of the students “get hired” by the businesses which is a sign that they have succeeded,” she said. “The feedback I am getting is pretty positive. The students do enjoy it,” she said, adding that when she talks to the employers, they say that the students are engaged and asking questions.

 Meaningful relationships are forged at such events, she believed. The employers get to see the students in their element which helps to dispel any negative beliefs about the school and allows the school to shine under a positive light.

“John Gray has some bright young people and it’s up to the private sector and the government to capture them and find ways to integrate them into their workplace,” she stated.

Ms Johnson believed it would be incredibly beneficial if these sectors focussed on providing scholarships not only for the high academic achievers but also those who demonstrate a willing to learn practical skills to a high level perhaps in schools and colleges overseas. 

Jacqueline Thompson, Training Manager for Hotel Indigo and the Kimpton Seafire, said they were speaking to students about diverse careers in hospitality.

“We are here to educate our young Caymanians about hospitality because often they think hospitality is just about housekeeping and front desk, but there is a whole operation. We have accounting, IT, maintenance, sales and marketing, HR, purchasing, food and beverage. It’s like a big ship that has many different operations.”

Cody Bennett, Apprentice with Public Works, was in hand to speak with young people about his experiences at Public Works. He said they wanted to introduce Public Works to a much younger audience. Having studied at UCCI after high school, Mr Bennett said he was at a point in his life when he was not sure what to do. That was when he saw he could make a great career in the construction industry and is now undertaking a three year apprenticeship with Public Works, focussing on plumbing and carpentry.

“Here, we are explaining to the young people all the different trades that are available to young Caymanians, such as A/C work, carpentry, masonry and electrical. Usually, you learn two trades when you join the programme,” he advised.  “I really enjoy the programme. I very much encourage young people to join.”

Sixteen-year-old John Gray High School year 11 student Martina Hackett said she hoped to get as much information as she could so she could develop the skills in her different areas of study, including engineering, IT, marketing, and human and social biology. She said the booths she had visited gave her lots of information and contact details for her to find out more.

Ms Johnson said the organisers were incredibly grateful to all the businesses and government departments who had made the efforts to speak with the students at the event.