Showcase of Talents at Worldskills National Competition

The National Area in Kingston is abuzz with activity as young people from across the island showcase their innovation and creativity in various skills areas at the eighth staging of the WorldSkills National & Junior Skills Competition.

The four-day event, which commenced on Tuesday (May 30), features an exciting display of skills in areas such as creative arts and fashion, manufacturing and engineering technology, building construction services; robotics and information and communications technology, tourism manufacturing, services, culinary arts, among others.

Held every two years, the WorldSkills National and Junior Skills Competition is part of activities by the HEART/NSTA Trust to showcase the nation’s talented youth and equip them with the tools and resources necessary to excel in a competitive job market, navigate the challenges of the 21st century and capitalise on emerging opportunities in the global economy.

It also seeks to demonstrate high occupational standards among trainees in a range of skills areas.

This year’s event, under the theme ‘Future Proofing the Economy through TVET’, will serve as a platform to identify and train participants for the WorldSkills International Competition, scheduled to take place in Lyon, France, in September 2024.

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, in his address at the opening ceremony, commended the participants and the range of talents and skills on display.

He told them that they are being positioned to contribute to the building and transformation of the country.

“Skills development is vital if we are going to be competitive,” he said, noting that it is “putting us in the right place… to make sure that Jamaica is successful and continues to move up on the prosperity scale”.

“Let us continue to invest in skills development for a brighter future for all of us,” he added.

The Minister lauded the HEART/NSTA Trust for its organisation and management of the competition over the years.

More than 25 new and emerging skills are being showcased across various sectors at the event.

The WorldSkills National & Junior Skills Competition is the HEART/NSTA Trust’s premier event to expose and equip young people with the necessary skills to further their education, pursue business opportunities, or advance their careers.