Today, it is with the greatest pleasure that we announce the launch of Upskill Bahamas, a new online learning and upskilling resource for Bahamians.
If you are interested in:
Gaining new skills to qualify for a job…
Or advancing in your current job…
Or switching to a new field…
Or starting or growing your own business…
Upskill Bahamas can provide you with free access to first-class online courses, including opportunities to earn certificates in skills that employers want the most.
Advances in technology are reshaping nearly every industry and field of work – and the pace of change is often astonishing.
We believe Bahamians can do more than simply adapt in this fast-changing environment; we believe that with access to upskilling and support, more and more Bahamians can thrive and prosper.
Picture this –
A young man in Eleuthera learning how to design his first app, one he will sell to the world;
A young woman in Bain Town, using her phone to take the course that gives her the confidence she needs to turn her new idea into a smart business plan; or
An entrepreneur in Cat Island, learning the marketing skills he needs to turn his small business into a bigger one.
Right now, in too many cases, we have what economists call a “skills gap” – a mismatch between the skills we have and the skills we need to succeed.
I think of it as a “possibility gap” – the distance between what your skills allow you to do, and what you dream of doing.
The better we get at closing that gap, the more dreams will be realized.
As we gain new skills, we earn more – helping us as individuals, helping our families – but also, increasing investment and innovation in our economy.
It’s a virtuous cycle! When we invest in upskilling, we empower entire communities to unlock new opportunities.
One thing is for sure – the pace of change is not going to slow down.
So we just have to learn fast enough to keep up.
If you’re a student, or a former student, or a job-seeker, or an entrepreneur…
If you need to strengthen basic skills, or add advanced ones…
The important thing to know is that we are on your side.
We want to give you the tools you need to bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement.
You know, we are working hard to build a 21st-century economy, with more ladders that lead more Bahamians up to success.
But I want you to know that I know what it’s like to start up that ladder – and then you see a few rungs are missing.
I know what it’s like to feel you don’t know the right things or the right people.
I know what it’s like to worry you’re missing education or missing tools others have.
You can’t see how you’re supposed to go any further.
My mission is to make sure that Bahamians never, ever stop there.
Our shared mission must be to make sure that we are there for our brothers and sisters, at that precise moment when our encouragement and support can be the difference between a dream realized instead of deferred.
Upskill is part of this mission.
And Upskill is something new for The Bahamas – a flexible, modern way to learn in fast-changing times.
You can learn when you have the time – you can learn during a lunch break, or when your toddler takes a nap, or after work, or with friends on a weekend.
I know Minister Hanna-Martin is working hard to strengthen our schools, including their literacy, numeracy, and digital fluency curricula. No one believes in our children more than her.
But changing big systems takes time – and most Bahamians are out of school.
We must think of ourselves as continuous learners, lifelong learners! All of us!
We need to be able to wear multiple hats – we will need a wide range of skills to be competitive.
Our DigiLearn programme offers courses with BTVI and the University of The Bahamas, in basic computing, in Microsoft Office, in e-commerce. Our WiFi in the Parks programme expands access to high-speed internet. Our JUMP programme with BTC is designed to help families with connectivity and laptops.
So Upskill is part of our larger efforts to bridge digital divides and to create new opportunities. We are starting with a substantial programme, one that can accommodate thousands of Bahamians, and we plan to continue updating and expanding the programme, in response to the feedback we get from all of you, and in ongoing consultation with the private sector, so that the skills we’re offering are a good match for the skills they’re seeking.
I believe Bahamian talent is the engine that will drive the next phase of our country’s national development.
That’s why we’re focused on creating new opportunities – and making sure Bahamians are ready to seize them – through education, upskilling, mentorship, grants, financing, access to expertise – so more Bahamians have a fair chance to maximize their God-given talents.
Nations that invest in their people always rise stronger.
The world will keep changing – but so will we, with confidence, and without leaving anyone behind.
May God bless you all.