Letter of the Day | Explore to acquire tangible skills after CSEC
Published:Saturday | August 26, 2023 | 12:05 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
There is no better moment to celebrate than the release of Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) results. Hearty congratulations are in order to the candidates who will receive accolades, praise, and admiration across their social circles. It is their hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance throughout high school that will be remembered. It is never too late to give it another try and become successful, for whom the results have not been favourable.
Surely, the suspenseful wait would have filled many with anxiety, even depression, as the ramifications of possible failure would result in vexatious parents, teachers, and guarantors. Some months ago, the ‘fortuitous’ incident which led to the release of the answer script for the Paper Two mathematics exam was highlighted on several major social media platforms. The reactions were understandably laced with disgruntlement and disappointment.
The fear of failure, the lack of confidence in one’s abilities, and monetary gain would have been the most plausible rationales for the parties involved. Nevertheless, it is behind us and now it’s time to celebrate their success.
Numerous observations made by students year after year centre around the gross inadequacy of CSEC subjects for securing employment after graduation. This is no new phenomenon, and in my candid opinion, they should rightly show more concern and pensiveness in 2023.
The Statistical Institute of Jamaica reported a few days ago that the country’s unemployment rate has reached an all-time low of 4.5 per cent. This news is promising; however, in this rapidly growing labour market, having your CSEC subjects may not be enough this time around to get that dream job.
The market is more competitive and technologically oriented than ever before, so working hard and smart puts one in the top five per cent. A skill/trade should be acquired as soon as possible by our young brilliant minds, in order to gain a sustainable competitive advantage.
The stereotype that you must go to college or a top one per cent university to ‘step up inna life’ has become banal and antiquated. Instead, resourcefulness, adaptability and being a team player, along with the vocation that you have learnt, will add socio-economic value.
Another option to for the youngsters is to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit, which can be a viable career option for them and also gives them the opportunity to create jobs.
DUJEAN EDWARDS