VISTS starts recruitment drive to double student population

The Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS) is conducting a recruitment drive to increase its student population.

“Currently we only have 63 students. We are seeking to double that number,” said Principal-in-training, Willis Potter.

Potter said the recruitment drive started in February at the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) and will head to Virgin Gorda today, March 19.

Potter noted that VISTS is aiming to forge closer ties with the Bregado Flax Educational Centre (BFEC) on Virgin Gorda and ESHS on Tortola.

“Basically, we are hoping to bring a greater number of students into the school this year so we have been having a really aggressive marketing strategy to get students to come in,” he said.

The technical school can comfortably accommodate up to 150 students, Potter said.

TVET awareness

The principal-in-training said VISTS is also aiming to educate the public on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), as well as the benefits of attending the Baugher’s Bay-based educational facility.

TVET is education and training which provides knowledge and skills for employment. Upon successful completion of the TVET, students receive a Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) certificate.

“The advantage is you can get your school leaving certificate and your Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) certificate but you also get a certification in your skilled area,” Potter explained.

“You can take CVQ certification anywhere in the Caribbean, in the UK and the US and get a job because the CVQ is recognizable worldwide.”

VISTS currently offers various programmes such as auto mechanics, cosmetology, culinary arts training, data operations, and home management.