UCCI Leadership Presents Groundbreaking Skills Gap Research at Rotary Clubs Across the Region

In a significant effort to address the global skills gap, Dr. Robert W. Robertson, President, and CEO at the University College of the Cayman Islands, along with Dr. Peter Paul, Special Assistant to the President, have presented their pioneering skills gap research to Rotary Clubs across the region.

Members of the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman Sunrise, the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman and the Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise participated. These presentations, part of UCCI’s ongoing commitment to enhancing workforce readiness, highlighted the critical demand for IT skills, especially in artificial intelligence, alongside soti skills, math, reading, and technical trade skills.

The research underscores a concerning trend where 60% of employers worldwide express apprehension over their employees’ skill levels. The European Union has stated that there are more than eight million individuals alone in need of upskilling, and so the urgency for educational institutions to adapt and offer relevant, industry-certified short courses is more pronounced than ever.

Dr. Robertson remarked on UCCI’s proactive steps towards developing and delivering such courses to meet the exigencies of the burgeoning economy of the Cayman Islands. “Our aim is not just to bridge the current skills gap but to anticipate and prepare for future demands, ensuring that our workforce remains competitive on a global scale,” he stated.

The presentations were well-received, sparking engaging discussions on potential collaborations between educational institutions, government bodies, and the private sector to foster a skilled and dynamic workforce capable of driving sustainable growth in the region.

The European Union had designated 2023 as the “Year of Skills”. Canada has established a national initiative “Future Skills Canada” to identify and promote skills training; the Bahamas has prepared a National Development Plan that, in part, addresses the importance of the skills gap to the economy of the country. With the skills gap posing a significant challenge here in the Cayman Islands, the focus has turned to regional and local efforts to combat this issue. UCCI, in its leadership role, has been at the forefront of these efforts.

The University’s collaboration with the Government (WORC) and the Chamber of Commerce to produce a Labor Market Assessment is a testament to this commitment. This key document released late in 2023, provides in-depth analysis and strategies to tackle current and future labour market challenges in the Cayman Islands.

The findings from the labour market assessment are further bolstered by a 2023 research study conducted by UCCI, which involved surveying and interviewing Rotary members across the Caribbean. Eighty survey responses were received and twelve interviews conducted covering eight of the eleven countries in the region. The highest response rates were from the Cayman Islands followed by the Bahamas. Sectors represented included 20% financial and insurance sector; 14% education sector; 9% represented the information and communication (technology) sector; and 9% represented the human health and social work sector.

Eighty percent of respondents were senior managers and key results included:

i) Many (43 %) were of the view that the regional workforce was not globally competitive.

ii) There are three key skills that need improvement including soti skills, IT skills and technical (vocational/ trade) skills.

iii) Respondents noted that the skills gap has worsened in the post-pandemic environment. Many identified poor numeracy and literacy skills as a key area requiring improvement. Finally, respondents suggested that there will be increased pressure for skilled employees in the future as there are many pressures in the economy.

As UCCI continues to lead in this critical area, these engagements with the Rotary Clubs stand as testament to the importance of community involvement and the shared responsibility of addressing the skills gap challenge. The University remains dedicated to spearheading initiatives that empower individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in an ever-evolving job market.