Professional development is defined as the ongoing process of improving one’s skills and knowledge to better perform in their existing role or to attain the skills needed to perform at a higher level.
Consultation between the Castries Constituency Council (CCC) and the National Workers Union (NWU) identified the need for training of employees to enhance skills and capacities for advancement.
Subsequently, the CCC committed to implementing the initiative to ensure staff embark on the critical journey of advancing their career, while contributing more to the workplace as well as boosting morale, productivity and satisfaction.
Earlier this month, began the first in a series of professional development programmes, which will be implemented for the CCC staffers in collaboration with the Technical, Vocational and Educational Training (TVET) Unit- Saint Lucia.
During the introductory workshop, Dr. Catherine Clifford, Quality Assurance Specialist at Saint Lucia’s Council for Technical Vocation & Education encouraged council staff to bolster their readiness to perform their roles more effectively, and furthermore, develop their career to go beyond their role at the CCC.
Mayor of Castries Geraldine Lendor-Gabriel is actively stimulating a culture of ongoing growth amongst staff at the council. Against this backdrop, Mayor Gabriel is providing the means for empowering employees to acquire certification, to succeed in their current roles and ultimately move up the ranks within the council.
Mayor Gabriel aims to develop a cadre of fully certified, forward thinking, and focused industry professionals. The programmes are afforded to staffers cost free, and presents opportunities to gain qualification, boost their morale, add long-term value to their vocation, and improve the quality of their skillset.
Upon successful competition of the course, participants will be entitled to receive the CARICOM Vocational Qualifications (CVQ), which allows them to be able to seek employment prospects anywhere in the Caribbean.
During the interactive workshop, council staff discussed skill gaps and gained a better understanding on how their job performance and professional development would benefit them and the council.
In attendance at the workshop, was the visiting Point Fortin, Trinidad & Tobago Chairman of Culture & Celebrations Kevon Primus King. He commended the Council for organizing this initiative to stimulate the personal growth of the workforce and urged staff to grasp this opportunity to be more dynamic and adaptable, leading to continued success in their careers.
The Chairman’s visit follows last December’s twinning arrangement between the CCC and Republic Borough of Point Fortin, Trinidad & Tobago in an effort to develop mutual cooperation between the two countries on various areas of mutual interest.
The partnership between the CCC and the Saint Lucia Council for Technical Vocation & Education aims to foster a culture of learning in the workplace by encouraging personal and professional growth. The CCC will cover the costs associated with the staff gaining this TVET industry certification that is recognized throughout the Caribbean.
Participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to develop their careers, while equipping them with the skillset to work not only Saint Lucia, but also in the region.