Labour Ministry Launches National Career Advisory Network

The newly launched National Career Advisory Network (NCAN) will foster innovation, inspire career development and contribute significantly to the nation’s growth.

Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, Faye Prescod, expressed this view yesterday, as she delivered remarks at the official launch of NCAN, at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

Describing NCAN as “a game changer in the interconnected world of education, training and employment”, Ms. Prescod stated that career counselling is a vital roadmap that turns the mission of NCAN into a personal reality for every individual.

“It’s about more than just fixing a résumé, it’s about [the] freedom of giving you the clarity to choose a path you actually enjoy, and equity by ensuring every Bajan has access to the same professional advice to get a fair shot at success….

“At its heart, decent work is built on four pillars…freedom…equity… security…and finally, dignity,” she added.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary stressed the importance of guiding individuals into roles which fit their talents, allowing them to gain the security of a stable career and the dignity that comes from respected work. 

According to her, the aim of NCAN is to help persons identify, “not just a job, but a vocation that matches their skills and values”, enabling them to become motivated employees.

“Today, we have a cadre of about 45 certified career advisors, increasing our nation’s capacity to help people proactively plan their futures…. With the launch…, we are scaling this impact even further,” she stated.

Ms. Prescod shared that the Ministry of Labour is responsible for the Barbados Labour Market Information System, which conducts the necessary research and analysis to provide accurate, relevant and timely information on the trends and developments in the local and global labour markets.

“This will ensure that career guidance is grounded in current realities and future opportunities. We will utilise various channels, workshops, online platforms, reports and community outreach to make this information accessible, understandable and actionable by all stakeholders”, she asserted.             

The National Career Advisory Network is an initiative designed to empower Barbadians through enhanced access to career guidance and opportunities. (PR/GIS)