The Tribune

By HADASSAH HALL

SHANANDO Moss always wanted to work with his hands. He is now well on his way to fulfilling that dream as a student of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute’s (BTVI) dual enrollment programme where he is taking Trade Career Path classes.

“I want to be an Electrical Engineer, so I am learning more about what I want to do in life,” the Anatol Rodgers High School student said. “Currently, we are learning about electricity. I am using this as an opportunity and I intend to come back in September for a year before hopefully going off to school. The class atmosphere is easy to learn in. The teacher, Mr Barry, makes a difference.”

The 16-year-old is one of 42 students from Anatol Rodgers High School whose parents have agreed for them to be enrolled in the 15-week programme.

The 25 girls are studying Introduction to Cosmetology, which includes topics such as hair analysis, beauty culture science and communicable diseases, while in the Trade Career Path classes, the boys are introduced to the fundamentals of several construction trades including Electrical Installation, Plumbing, Masonry, Carpentry, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Welding, and Painting and Decorating.

Trade Career Path instructor, David Barry, said the course helps the students identify the trade they are most interested in pursuing in life. He spoke highly of the students, who spend six hours at BTVI each Friday.

“This is a good group. They are very quiet. There is something about Anatol Rodgers. They are mannerly. They get right into their work and clean up afterwards. When I arrived, they were in here working,” said Mr Barry.

In the cosmetology laboratory, Antonique Sullivan admitted that she is still trying to figure out what her passion is. “There is the possibility of me returning to BTVI to study Cosmetology. This is a great opportunity. Not much people get to experience this while in school. It’s interesting. I feel more responsible,” the 16-year-old, who has to balance BTVI and high school, said.

Her classmate, Miriam Peet concurs. On Fridays, she misses Math, Bahama Host, French, English and Religious Studies. However, she ensures she gets any information and missed work.

“The majority of our teachers understands and gives us the work,” the 17-year-old said. “For Bahama Host, we have extra classes. For others, we get what we will miss that Thursday or on that Monday when we return. I’m able to keep up, balancing the workload. I come, do the work, understand and go to high school and understand. It makes me feel accomplished.”

Cosmetology instructor, Monique A Marshall, is pleased with the class’ performance thus far. “The girls are understanding the work. They conduct themselves very well and are interactive. They want to know more,” said Ms Marshall.

BTVI’s Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, Leroy Sumner, explained that the programme is designed to give high schoolers a jumpstart on post-secondary education.

“The nature of the dual enrollment programme eases them into college life, allowing them to immerse themselves and adjust to the work. It gives them a degree of independence,” said Mr Sumner, who made formal presentations to the students and their parents at Anatol Rodgers.

“Even their parents are excited. And they won’t have to make application for enrollment again. If we get them early enough, more and more of them may want to come to BTVI to complete their education. Since starting, other schools have started calling - even in Andros and other Family Islands. It’s a wonderful programme designed to develop a pathway to assist students in learning a trade and earning a living,” said Mr Sumner.