The Chamber commits to championing initiatives that support human capital planning at a national level

Around 500 residents looking for training, scholarship, and internship opportunities attended the annual Chamber of Commerce Careers Expo, on Friday 22 March at the UCCI’s Sir Vassel Johnson Hall. 37 exhibitors representing the public and private sector employment community shared career information about their industries and professions.

“This is not just about meeting the needs of businesses – it’s about creating opportunities for all Cayman residents to succeed,” said Chamber President, Joanne Lawson, at the official opening of the event.

“It’s about creating opportunities to help ensure that every individual, regardless of their background or circumstance, has the chance to build a better future for themselves and their family…As advocates for economic growth and prosperity, the Chamber of Commerce is committed to championing initiatives that support human capital planning at the national level. We believe that by working together – businesses, educators, policymakers, and community leaders – we can create a workforce that is resilient, adaptable, and prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow where our people can thrive with successful careers.”

Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, MP, Minister of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency brought some words of encouragement from Hon. Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly. “Today is so important and I want to thank the Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the Cayman Islands Government for always ensuring that this careers expo takes place,” she said. The Minister asked the exhibitors to remind all the young people who visited their booths that government scholarships for tertiary education were available – both for local and international courses: “We are investing in our future leaders, future doctors, future architects, and so you are doing your part to build the future of this country,” she said.

Chamber CEO Wil Pineau said: “All of our industry sectors are flourishing, and the most important aspect of this going forward is our relationship between the Cayman Islands Government and you as employers. We must ensure that Caymanians get the first

opportunities at all careers in the country and the only way that is going to happen is if you open your doors to accept Caymanians into your organisations.”

Many young people were visiting Tech Cayman’s booth – which had an impressive display of mini-robots in action. “It’s great to be able to have the opportunity to engage with these young people and provide them with guidance and information about technology careers which are accessible and exist here right now in Cayman,” said Education Programme Coordinator Philip Liu.

“We think this is an excellent opportunity to educate and empower young Caymanians into understanding what the Cayman Islands Airports Authority is, and the career opportunities that are available to them,” said Dawn McLean-Brady, a representative of the Cayman Islands Airports Authority.

Samantha Shields, Dean of the St. Matthews Veterinary School, was keen to tell the students about opportunities that could offer students, without them having to relocate abroad: “We wanted to be here to connect with some of the Caymanian students who are trying to figure out what career path they would like to take. We have just formed a partnership with the UCCI so there is a pathway for the Caymanian students who are at the UCCI to come into the Vet School, and the same for the Medical School.”

Many students from Cayman’s high schools visited the event with their teachers. They were taking the opportunity to find out as much as they could.

Leo Hydes, 16, a student from Cayman International School, said, “I’ve enjoyed talking to all the booths and seeing all the opportunities that are available for kids my age and what they can provide for me and what they do in their firm.’’

Arianna Robinson Cuello, 17, said: “I’m here because I’m looking for the opportunities I’m offered here in Cayman – I want to make sure I am experienced and know what I am doing before I commit to any universities and different courses.”

Isi Castello, 16, said: “I like talking to people from different firms here and I like how most of these have internships. It is helpful to me to approach what to do in the future.”

The Chamber would like to thank the following exhibitors for participating in this year’s expo:

Major Sponsors:

• Doctor’s Hospital

• Cayman Islands Airports Authority

• CML

• EY Cayman Ltd

• WORC

• Heath Services Authority

• Health City Cayman Islands

• Maples Group

• Cayman Islands Development Bank

• Ministry of Financial Services & Commerce

• Enterprise Cayman

Reception / Opening Ceremony Sponsors:

• Suntera (Cayman) Limited • Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd.

• Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

• Grant Thornton Cayman Islands

• Dart

• Rawlinson & Hunter Supporting Sponsors:

• The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman

• Mourant Cayman

• Campbells

• Island Heritage

• Insurance Managers Association of Cayman

• SteppingStones Recruitment Ltd.

• Cayman Finance

• St. Matthew’s University

• Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands

• Cayman Turtle Centre

• National Gallery of the Cayman Islands

• Deloitte

• YMCA of the Cayman Islands

• ICCI

• Ocorian

• KPMG LLP

• CIRCA

• Cayman National Corporation Ltd

• Port Authority of the Cayman Islands

• PricewaterhouseCoopers