St. Lucians are being given yet another pathway to create economic opportunities. The ground-breaking programme created jointly by the SALCC and Unite Caribbean aims to equip students and young entrepreneurs with skills to succeed in the French Caribbean market.
L-R: Cletus Springer (Chair of the Board – SALCC); Thomas Chollet (CEO- Unite Caribbean); French Embassy; Fabrice Terrier (Consultant – Unite Caribbean); Brent St. Catherine – Head – Gateways to Global Careers Programme – SALCC); Hon Shawn Edward – Minister of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training 
Fifteen students began the French Gateways to Global Careers programme on February 7, after participating in the official launch which took place on February 3rd in the presence of Hon. Shawn Edward, Minister for Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training.
The programme which is fully funded by the French Embassy for the Eastern Caribbean States, Barbados and the OECS was introduced during a ceremony held at the Innovation Hub of the SALCC.
Hon Shawn Edward in his remarks “These educational cooperation initiatives continue to solidify the ties with our sister territories and the international community. We hope that the opportunities presented by this gateways programme will harness and create an environment in which our young citizens can become entrepreneurs, and will be able to create jobs not just for themselves but for their peers in different fields of endeavour.”
Mr. Thomas Chollet, CEO of Unite Caribbean, “This programme embodies the values of Unite Caribbean, and leads the way to show what the future of regional Caribbean integration in vocational training could be. We are proud to have contributed to build this strong partnership between the SALCC and the Alliance Française, and we are now looking forward to bring on board private sector actors”.
Fabrice Terrier (Consultant, Unite Caribbean) and Brent St Catherine (Responsible of the Gateways to Global Careers programme) ended the launch ceremony with presentations about the making of the programme, partnership opportunities for the private sector and the programme’s content.
Indeed, private companies will play a key role in the programme, providing the students with direct opportunities to interact with major actors in their sectors.
The 15 Saint Lucian students were selected among more than 40 applicants, based on their French skills and their entrepreneurship spirit. The one-year long course is divided in four (4) operational modules focusing on the key sectors of tourism and agriculture, with a technical French training supported and certified by Alliance Française. Sessions will alternate between theory and practical exercises. “The programme is a perfect blend of concepts and hands-on learning, with modules delivered in the classroom, digitally and it comprises sites visits and internships. Our students will gain an invaluable knowledge which will give them a competitive edge in the labour market.”, according to Dr Nurse, SALCC.
The programme is supported by the French Embassy for the OECS countries based in Saint Lucia. It is part of an overall project aiming to improve professional integration and increase exchanges between French and Saint Lucian vocational and higher education institutions. For Christel Outreman, Regional counsellor for Cooperation at the French Embassy in Saint Lucia “We are very proud to have initiated and to be financing this programme. This is a flagship for further strengthening the ties between the OECS countries and the French territories.”
