The Tribune

By Ian Ferguson

For some time we have recognised the strong link between education and industry, and the role they must both play in ensuring the economic viability of the Bahamas. They are often at odds with each other, industry claiming there are blatant gaps in the educational system that translate into weak candidates. Likewise, academia screams to industry for greater support and partnership on programmes to ensure alignment with business expectations.

Our focus, then, is the educational system’s special wish list for Bahamian business leaders with the hopes of strengthening the relationship. Here are the top five items on the list:

• Engage educational professionals more on industry expectations, and communicate those expectations with a greater degree of clarity.

Far too often, industry sends conflicting messages to students and schools regarding what they expect young people to know and do when they enter the world of work. Lead industry partners should initiate and be part of every curriculum design and re-design conclave hosted by educational institutions (at all levels, both private and public sector).

• Provide learning incentives for parents to fulfill their role as first teacher and encourager of successful students.

All research points to the fact that good parenting impacts the success rate of students more than anything else. If companies support parents whose children excel through programmes such as ‘Support the A’ (where the company gives cash for every ‘A’ the child of an employee earns), more parents would be inclined to promote excellence in their homes.

• Provide gifts of technology/furniture for schools deserving, and in need of, these vital supplies.

We know that resources matter. If young people are placed in an environment that has limited resources and is technologically void, this adversely impacts the ability to compete globally. Companies can provide immediate solutions to the shortages that exist.

• Provide meaningful internships for students wanting learning experiences in fields that interest them. Far too often, students are placed in the world of work on job experience and internship placements only to be given menial and unflattering assignments not consistent with a holistic introduction to their career interests.

This defeats the purpose of their being in the place assigned, and sometimes discourages them from pursuing what they once believed to be their passion.

• ‘Adopt a school’ programmes have existed and proven effective for some time. The impact that a company’s presence has on a school campus can be enormous.

Assistance with school beautification, mentorship programmes, counselling at-risk students and speakers for assemblies provide growth and development for both school and company. Try adopting a school today.

• NB: Ian R. Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@coralwave.com.