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Education Ministry Preparing Students for New Economy

By: , February 3, 2017

The Key Point:

Mr. Reid, who met with members of the National Career Integration Committee at the Office of the Prime Minister today (February 3), said the move is necessary as the world embraces the “fourth industrial revolution.”
Education Ministry Preparing Students for New Economy
Photo: Mark Bell
Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid (4th left), listens to remarks by Chairperson of the National Career Integration Committee, Lisetha Adams (3rd left), at a meeting with committee members at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston on February 3. Others (from left) are: Manager of Placements Career Services at the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies, Dr. Merrit B. Henry; Senior Director, HEART Trust/NTA, Marcia Armande; President of Junior Achievement Jamaica, Alphie Mullings-Aiken; Chief Education Officer in the Ministry, Dr. Grace McLean; Senior Director in the Planning and Development Division in the Ministry, Barbara Allen; and Human and Community Development Manager at the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Steven Kerr.

The Facts

  • Central to this revolution are emerging technology breakthroughs in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, networking of devices, autonomous vehicles, 3D printing and nanotechnology.
  • Minister Reid pointed out that a lot of careers that now exist may become obsolete in about 20 years. “We’re going to be losing about two billion jobs across the globe due to technology,” he noted.

The Full Story

Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, says the education and training system is being realigned to ensure that students are properly prepared for the “new economy.”

 Mr. Reid, who met with members of the National Career Integration Committee at the Office of the Prime Minister today (February 3), said the move is necessary as the world embraces the “fourth industrial revolution.”

The fourth industrial revolution is characterised by a range of new technologies that are impacting all disciplines, economies and industries.

Central to this revolution are emerging technology breakthroughs in fields such as artificial intelligencerobotics, networking of devices, autonomous vehicles3D printing and nanotechnology.  

Minister Reid pointed out that a lot of careers that now exist may become obsolete in about 20 years. “We’re going to be losing about two billion jobs across the globe due to technology,” he noted.

The Minister, who was addressing the committee ahead of the observance of National Careers Week (NCW) from February 11-17,  said it is necessary for students and parents to be sensitised to the career opportunities and the work readiness skills that are required in the new age.

He said students must consider careers in the higher end of business process management such as legal process outsourcing and knowledge process outsourcing.

This year’s National Careers Week will be held under the theme: ‘Expanding Horizons for Vision 2030’ and is being positioned as the premier event to prepare citizens for their future.

The objective of NCW is to inspire wiser career choices among Jamaicans and engage youth and adults in helping to establish the country as a globally competitive nation.

A number of activities are being planned for NCW including church services, school and library expositions, career days, and take your child to work day, among others.

“Sponsors for the event were the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication, Creative Production and Training Centre/ MTI, Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, Flow Jamaica, Frame Art Jamaica, Franklyn D. Resort, Innovative Corporate Solutions Limited, Insurance Employees Cooperative Credit Union, Jamaica National Building Society, Kodak Digital Solutions, Lasco Food Distributors, National Baking Company Limited, Palace Amusement Company Limited, RIU Resorts, Royale Computers and Accessories, Sandals Resorts, Victoria Mutual Building Society, WB Trophies, and Wisynco.”

Last Updated: February 17, 2020

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