The Chamber of Commerce – Education and workforce Development

The Chamber of Commerce is a Catalyst, bringing people and groups together to produce new dialogue and ideas. But it is also an advocate, speaking up to address a need, so that businesses and the community develop in a sustainable way.

The Chamber’s advocacy agenda focusses on four key areas: Education and Workforce Development, Economic Growth and Diversification, Regulatory Efficiencies, and Quality of Life. 

Education and workforce development strengthen and enrich communities. A person with a valuable skill is in a stronger position to support themselves and their families. A better educated community means better decision-making, living standards and quality of life.

In order to thrive, businesses need skilled and qualified people. Often, people with the necessary skills cannot be found in Cayman, so they have to be brought in from overseas, leading to missed opportunities for Caymanians.

‘VoTech Stars,’ is the name of the Chamber’s new campaign to attract more young Caymanians into vocational and technical careers. Through members’ feedback, the Chamber became aware that Caymanians were missing out on these opportunities, simply because they were not aware of the benefits they offered.

Its remedy was to create a nationwide awareness campaign, based on showcasing passionate Caymanians in their chosen careers. The videos will be shown in Cayman’s schools and billboards across the country. 

Once the Chamber has been made aware of gaps in education It is able to draw upon its extensive network of resources – in this case, experts who can impart their knowledge and experience to others, fast-tracking them on the path to success.

Leadership Cayman, the Chamber’s elite leadership programme, takes top leaders from different sectors and equpits them with indepth knowledge from industry decision-makers. Here, knowledge and experience is passed on to the next generation.

The Chamber Training Centre is specifically designed to meet Cayman’s unique business needs.  One of its programmes, Workplace Essentials, provides employees with the tools they need for success, such as effective communication skills or better customer service. It also provides access to internationally recognized courses such as the highly acclaimed Ken Blanchard series on management.

Two more of the Chamber’s programmes aim to nurture leadership qualities in young people. Mentoring Cayman pairs high-achieving student with a business or community leader, helping them share the keys to their success. While Junior Achievement encourages young people to own their economic success through teaching them about entrepreneurship, economics and how to launch their own business.

Overall, the Chamber is keen on strengthening the business community to ensure the Cayman Islands economy continues to thrive.