Author: Division of Education, Skills and Innovation

SUCCESS STORY Shan Quashie Attorney-at-Law Legal Practice Course (LPC) My name is Shan Quashie and I am an Attorney-at-Law. I studied law where I obtained the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (Hons) and furthered my studies, by obtaining the Postgraduate Diploma in the Legal Practice Course (LPC). There is no set path that one must take to pursue a career in law. However, before commencing your journey as a law student, you must firstly be successful in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations coupled with the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) and/or any Associate Degree relevant to this field of study, while maintaining high grade point average (GPA) levels. There are no required subjects one must obtain at CSEC or CAPE level. However, pursuing modern studies such as English Literature, History and Social Studies, can be regarded as an exceptional foundation. One can also opt to do Principles of Accounts and Principles of Business, which also set strong principles and a solid foundation for establishing private practice. Upon completion of the CSEC examinations, I pursued my Diploma in Law with the University of London International Programme, through the Institute of Law and Academic Studies. The duration of the Diploma of Law was one academic year. Upon completion, I then obtained the Bachelor of Laws through the aforementioned Institution. To become a practising Attorney in Trinidad and Tobago, one must obtain a Legal Education Certificate (LEC) from Hugh Wooding Law School or a LPC from a recognized University in the United Kingdom. Given that I had pursued law externally as a student, I was unable to secure a spot locally at the Hugh Wooding Law School, as the University of the West Indies students are given first preference. As such, this led me to the path of obtaining the LPC at the Manchester Metropolitan University in Manchester, United Kingdom. What motivated me to choose this career path was the limitless opportunities available in possessing a law Degree. I always wanted a career path that did not confine me to one area or limit my ability to find employment opportunities internationally. My main financial support has always been my parents. Without their love, guidance and support I am not certain if I would be where I am today. However, I received a bursary from the Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS), which assisted with my tuition fees, while I studied abroad at the University in Manchester. This scholarship was a blessing in disguise and I am forever grateful for the opportunity it afforded me. It relieved some of my financial commitments, as tuition and living expenses in the United Kingdom are costly. The application process at DATAS is straightforward and guided. There are certain prerequisites that you must satisfy to be considered for the bursary award. The follow-up support is also encouraging and one of the obligations under the bursary is that you must perform well at the end of each semester, ensuring that you maintain the required GPA levels. My journey to where I am today was not a bed of roses. As a student, you face obstacles that may seem difficult to overcome but those challenges have shaped my character. I have always been a humble, well-rounded, self-motivated, diligent young lady and possessing these attributes has always guaranteed my success. I would often state that the most challenging time throughout my journey was the global pandemic. Living in a foreign country, adapting to a new culture away from family and being faced with a pandemic that contributed to border closure in Trinidad and Tobago was challenging. I had to maintain a brave face while remaining motivated behind the tears because there was still a goal to achieve. Today, I am grateful for that experience because I am more patient and less stressed when faced with arduous circumstances, attributable to my career path. What I love the most about my career is that it creates an avenue to be an advocate for others. After completing the LPC, I was required to complete six (6) months of in-service training with a Senior Attorney before being called to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Trinidad and Tobago, where I was registered on the Roll of the Attorneys-at-Law and entitled to practice as an Attorney in Trinidad and Tobago. Currently, I work in my private practice and I am a part of the Legal Department at the Division of Tourism. Yes, I would choose the same career for myself. However, there is room for other business ventures, as having multiple streams of income is my aim. A few tips that I can give to aspiring Attorneys are: a. No man is an island and networking with other professionals in this field is beneficial, not only to yourself but the other individuals as well. Creating impactful connections provides a stronger support network, improves your business or career growth and may build your clientele. b. Be clear about your goals beyond the financial goals. Yes, having a six-figure salary is attractive but this does not occur overnight. Do not choose this career if you do not have a passion for law, as this job can be very demanding. Having a passion for your career would make you feel genuinely fulfilled in your role, which often results in better professional performance. Choosing a specialty that aligns with your values and interests, can ignite your passion for law. c. Maintain your integrity, as this is the most valuable trait you can have as an Attorney. By building a reputation as a legal professional with integrity, you can gain the respect of colleagues and clients. d. Attorneys are always learning in this profession and there is always room to expand on your knowledge. Legal rules are constantly evolving and continuous learning is the only tool to keep abreast of current changes to legislation. MORE STORIES

SUCCESS STORY Kenesha Leith Human Resource Officer (Ag) BSc. Human Resource Management & Master of Business Administration My name is Kenesha S. Leith and I am a Human Resource Professional with the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA). I am the proud holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management and a Master of Business Administration. In 2010, I embarked on a journey to assist my organization and its employees to better cope and manage the changes that faced us continually. With this ambition, I decided to pursue a degree in Human Resources from the Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies. Unfortunately for me, this part-time degree in Tobago took (5) five or more years to complete. With my aim in mind and not wanting to spend more than (3) three to (4) four years completing a degree programme, I opted to transfer to full-time studies in Trinidad, after completing (2) two years in Tobago. However, I would soon come to realize that this would not be an easy decision. Despite being a permanent employee, my field of study did not grant me the ability to qualify for study leave with pay, so I had to seek financial assistance. To be honest, the Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS), formerly the “Financial Assistance Unit” was the last place I approached for help because I did not know they existed. Without becoming too spiritual and emotional, I must say that God has a way of lining things up in every avenue of my life. I applied to the DATAS, went through an in-person interview, and quickly qualified for a Bursary of Twenty Thousand dollars ($20,000) to be paid in tranches following successful semesters and matching transcripts. My organization assisted by buying out my vacation leave which was quickly used to furnish my apartment. DATAS paid the rent and literally put food on my table. My family happily supported me – my mom, dad, aunt, brother and all who chipped in to ensure that I never lacked anything. Even when I got homesick, my tickets came. Now, no educational pursuit is easy and juggling (6) six subjects per semester despite my advisor strongly opposing, it was brutal. However, I knew that I only had (2) two years to get this done and applying for exemptions was not an option. Remember when I said God has a way of lining things up for me? Well, I started at the TRHA as an On-the-Job Trainee (OJT) in February of 2008 and was plunged into the role of Assistant to the then Hospital Medical Director with no prior training but with my mindset of excellence I put my best foot forward. In September of that year, I was hired despite not yet completing my (2) two-year contract with OJT. One (1) year later I was granted permanent employment. Three (3) years subsequently, I needed to be employed permanently for 3 years or more to qualify for study leave. Tell me if that is not God’s hand at work! I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management with a GPA of 3.60, on the Director’s Honor Roll and attained “Best Research Paper” in Human Resource Management in 2014. I returned to the TRHA in September 2014 and by October 2014 the Organization through my Human Resource Manager saw it fitting for me to be transferred to the Human Resource Department. Though I have climbed the proverbial ladder within the department, my greatest joy about my job is truly helping employees and management alike. If I could go back and do it all over again, I would be right where I am now, God is working out His great plan for my life. Tips or advice to persons wanting to follow this career path: I would say bloom where you are planted. No good thing comes easy, no job, no organization is without its trials but once you give of your very best, you can accomplish anything. MORE STORIES

SUCCESS STORY Stacey Jackson-Stewart Educator Master of Business Administration What is your name? My name is Stacey Jackson-Stewart. What is your career? I am currently a Business Teacher with the Division of Education, Research and Technology. What were your areas of study? I have attained a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Business Management with Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom through the School of Accounting and Management (SAM), and a Master of Business Administration with Heriot-Watt University, United Kingdom through the School of Business and Computer Science (SBCS). What qualifications are needed for your career path? To be a high school teacher a degree in a related field is required, for example, a B. A. (Hons) in Business Management. What motivated your choice of study and career path? My academics and deportment at high school led me to complete an apprenticeship program at a Financial Institution for (9) nine months. This was approved without receipt of my academic results. After completing the program, I took the opportunity to work full time where I pursued my bachelor’s degree part-time. Part-time studies were necessary because I did not have the financial support, and I had a desire to achieve more. I was disappointed that I had to journey to Trinidad regularly because the course was not available in Tobago, but I was committed to the task at hand. How has the DATAS Scholarship, Grant or Bursary impacted your experience? The financial assistance from the Financial Assistance Unit now known as the Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS) opened the door for additional studies as I pursued my MBA. The challenges I faced while pursuing the bachelor’s degree were enough to stop. The reality of financial assistance gave me hope because I could not have done it alone.  How was the application process at DATAS? My experience at a financial institution gave me a clear understanding of the application process from inception. The office staff were available to guide where necessary. The timing of the process was sufficient as I was able to continue my studies the following semester.   How was the follow-up support at DATAS? DATAS personnel assisted me with the timely submission of relevant documents. When I missed the calls, they left voice messages. How did you plan for additional financial support? Additional financial support came from loans taken from the financial institution where I worked. Describe your journey, and the efforts made to be where you are now. The journey was rough. I had to pay rent and the other accompanying bills, finance studies and travel expenses to Trinidad on weekends. All this was accomplished on a small income. After a long work week, I travelled by boat every Friday night to ensure I got to classes on time on Saturday mornings. A few of those mornings I paused on my journey at the Brian Lara Promenade in Port of Spain to sleep after deboarding the boat at 4:00 am.  Thankfully, I was not alone as I was accompanied by other students from Tobago. Determined to succeed I welcomed the opportunity for financial assistance from DATAS and was able to travel by plane sometimes. I sacrificed a lot and that resulted in sleepless nights, loss of weight, and I also lost friends. On the bright side, I learned so much about Trinidad, met new people, and mastered time management. I paid particular attention to details and deadlines. I also had the opportunity to use my knowledge as the President of a small credit union for a few years. It was an interesting and rewarding experience. What do you like best about your job? I thoroughly enjoy my job. My everyday interaction with students often motivates me to go to work even after hard days. My mentality is, that there is always one life that can be shaped by my presence. Although I have a regular schedule, the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with students outside classes were frequent. Students seek guidance because they are overwhelmed with information, opportunities, and challenges. Teaching is an investment into the future because my students will soon become the doctors, engineers, and leaders of the land. There is a high level of satisfaction when I encounter successful entrepreneurs who were once in my classroom. We learned from each other. I also received crucial tips for interaction with my biological children. I never thought I had so much patience. How did you get your job? My qualifications made me eligible for the job and upon advice from someone in the Teaching Service, I submitted my application. The opportunity came 4 years later, and I was ready and willing to make the change from working at the financial institution, of which I gave 10 years of service, to this new environment. If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same path for yourself? Oh yes! I am a better person today because of this choice and the experiences I have gained. What are some tips to give to persons wanting to follow your career path? It is important to note that everyone’s experience in life will be different. Here are some things I’ve learned along the way: Follow your dream: Only you really know what you want, and you will enjoy the results. Embrace opportunities: Analyse them carefully and make informed decisions. They can make your life better. Deal with doubt/fear: If ignored they will resurface and can paralyse you. Remember champions never give up: Even if you stumble or fall, get up and go again. Trust in God: He will never leave you nor forsake you. You will need comfort when days are hard. MORE STORIES

SUCCESS STORY Okeera Jack Technical Field Assistant Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)in Agriculture Growing up, I always told myself, “A wise man learns from other people’s mistakes” that way, he won’t make the same mistake to learn from himself. That said, living in the village of Les Coteaux have both failures and success, and I decided I would be successful after seeing failures in my village. My name is Okeera Jack, and my educational journey began at a tender age at Coppins Nursery School, then at Scarborough Methodist Primary School and on to St. Nicholas Private Primary for one (1) year, where I wrote the S.E.A examination. I went on to pass for my first choice, Bishops High School. After attaining good results from completing C.X.C examinations, I switched to Signal Hill Secondary for A levels. From a young age, I always wanted to go with my grandfather to the garden, but he never allowed it because he always thought I would keep him from doing his work. However, on his return home, I would always rush outside to dig in his bag to admire how big his yam, dasheen and cassava were after harvesting. My love for agriculture began when I saw my grandfather having such quality produce and doing what he loved every morning: going to the garden religiously.  While at Bishop’s, I always said to my peers, “I don’t want no office wuk.” This saying fuelled my love for Agriculture, and I decided to take this as a career path and looked into all its streams. Things didn’t go as planned academically during my tenure at Signal Hill Secondary or “Compre” as we know it. I decided not to let this minor hiccup stop me from chasing my dreams. My father and I decided that we will persereve. On investigating how to study Agricultural Science further, we came across the Eastern Caribbean Institute of Agriculture and Forestry (ECIAF) campus of the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) in Trinidad. We decided that I would go and pursue the Diploma in Agricultural Science. On seeing the cost of tuition and other expenses, I turned to my father and asked, “You have all that money?” he then said that it was Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (GATE) funded and I must keep my grades up, but the other expenses like groceries, rent etc. we will make it through by the grace of God. To execute my plan to attend university in September, I started working at the NP service station to save as much as possible for the university. One evening while walking in the village after work, I saw Miss Petronella Neptune; she always ensured that I was on the right path by enquiring about my academic performance. I informed her of my decision to attend the UTT ECIAF campus in Trinidad and that I was working and saving hard for this. Immediately she told me about the Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS) and the services they offer to students studying. She also clarified that to get this funding, my grades must meet the required marks. This made me decide to work harder at university as this funding will provide immense assistance to my father’s pocket. I journeyed into the office and got the relevant information and documents to begin the process as quickly as possible.  Ms Neptune, “Petty”, as we would call her in the village, would always ask me, “You dropped in the things yet?” even though at times I may find myself taking long to drop them off, she would make it her duty to relay the relevant information or drop in the documents on my behalf. Fast forward to university, the semester concluded my grades were within range. As a result, the bursary award was disbursed to me, which was used to pay my rent for the next semester. DATAS award made it possible for me to go through my two years Diploma program by covering the rent of the campus. In the end, I had to keep up my end of the contract by working two (2) years before being able to leave the country. However, I deferred it because I went on to do my B.Sc. in the same field (Agriculture) at the University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine, Trinidad which took three years. Upon completing the B. Sc. degree programme in 2019, I decided to apply for jobs both in and out of my field of study. Fortunately for me, while reading the newspapers in January 2020, the Division of Agriculture sent out an advertisement seeking Technical Field Assistance. I applied without hesitation as this fell right up my alley. After sending my application with all the relevant documents, then awaited a call from the Division, Covid 19 came. I remember vividly saying, “Well, look how I won’t get a job; how unlucky could I be right after finishing school a pandemic comes.” Still holding the faith, in September 2020, I received a phone call that changed all doubt I had. The Division called and asked me to be interviewed for the position. A couple of days later, I got another phone call telling me that I was successful and would begin on October 01st as a Technical Field Assistant with the division. This year makes it three years I have been employed with the Division in which I can bring my technical skills to both crop and livestock farmers to improve their farms and to improve Tobago’s Agriculture by extension. The field of Agriculture has an extensive range of professions, from Extension Officers, Vet, Agronomists, and Soil Scientists, and the list goes on. One bit of advice I would like to impart to anyone getting into this field is that it must be a natural union between oneself and agriculture. You must first love agriculture. You can’t go into agriculture and then love it. Agriculture is often the “black sheep” of all the sciences, but

SUCCESS STORY Jose-Ann Hackett Attorney at Law Bachelor of Laws (Hons.) (LLB), Legal Education Certificate (L.E.C) What is your name? My name is Jose-Ann Hackett. What is your career? I am an Attorney-at-law. What was your area of study? Bachelor of Laws (Honours) What qualifications are needed for your career path? To matriculate into the University of the West Indies Law program, one must pursue no specific subjects. However, one must achieve high grades at the CSEC and CAPE levels or have a first degree, or associate degree with a high GPA given the competitiveness of the field of study. For me, at the CSEC level I did Mathematics, English A, English B, Spanish, History, Social Studies, Chemistry and Music while at the CAPE level, I did Sociology, History, Literature in English and the compulsory Caribbean and Communication Studies at my alma mater, Speyside High School. What motivated your choice of study and career path? It has often been said that my choice of study and career path is quite saturated. However, I chose this path and career because, at the age of five 5 years old, I decided that I wanted to be someone who can effect change and help others. In addition to my desire for change and helping others, I felt as though my characteristics were best suited for the field of study and career path. An intelligent young child who always stood up for others; never backed down from intense debates; who was brave enough to challenge those older; more advanced in their education and wiser because their acquired accolades were some of the personal traits which I possessed that made me feel that becoming an Attorney was the best-suited profession for me. Further, on a candid note, the only show I was allowed to watch aside from the infamous Sesame Street was Law and Order. While my current engagement in the profession is by no means squarely similar to the exciting and dramatic narrative the show had, it certainly bolstered my interest to pursue my choice of study and now career. How has DATAS Scholarship, Grant or Bursary impacted your experience? The DATAS Grant initiative has changed my educational experience and has assisted in shaping me into the person I am today. This initiative has not only fulfilled its designed mandate through my experience but has also allowed me to focus intently on my studies without the worry of the financial aspect of my educational pursuit. How was the application process at DATAS? The application process was a smooth one. While the requirements set were quite high, I was able to meet the requirements as put forward by the program.  The staff was very accommodating in guiding and walking me through the application process. The intentional support displayed during the application process made it much easier and made me feel they cared.   How was the follow-up support at DATAS? The follow-up support was equally as intentional as the application process. How did you plan for added financial support? The DATAS grant was just one avenue I used for financial support. I was aware of and also capitalized on the GATE program as well as the Help Loan program. Further, even though all these avenues were available to me, my parents and family also played an integral role in financing my education. Describe your journey, and the efforts made to be where you are now. The journey to where I am now was nothing short of amazing and the epitome of blood, sweat and tears. From attaining my Bachelor of Laws in 2017 to obtaining my postgraduate Legal Education Certificate at the Hugh Wooding Law School in 2020, I have been able to not only grow academically but grow as an individual as well. Being resilient, persistent, and hard-working were the attributes I had to embody to achieve this accomplishment. There were times I questioned the path I chose and whether it was for me. However, I often reminded myself of that 5-year-old little girl who had a dream with a purpose. My academic accomplishment could not be achieved without unwavering support and encouragement to keep going. Such support especially from my parents was key to achieving my goal of becoming an Attorney-at-Law. What do you like best about your job? The best aspect of my job is being able to live out the purpose for which I entered into this profession. I enjoy that I can hone in on the personal attributes that convinced me that this profession was best suited for me. As someone who loves mental stimulation and intellectual challenges, I am particularly pleased to be able to solve clients’ legal problems whether their problems may be of a contentious or non-contentious nature. The application of the law to the everyday man’s situation and seeing how it unfolds uniquely encourages me and ignites that excitement in doing my job. Further, I am afforded the opportunity to meet different people from all walks of life whether they are clients or colleagues like me.  Overall, I am presented with the opportunity to have a wider understanding of the socio-cultural dynamics of the Tobago space while helping businesses and individuals in need. How did you get your job? At the Hugh Wooding Law School, students must do a period of in-service training at a select firm or chambers under a senior attorney. I did my training at the law chambers of Ingrid Melville and Company Attorneys-at-law where I am now an Associate Attorney. While engaged in training, Principal Attorney at the chambers saw my potential and ability and, therefore, offered me the position of Associate Attorney at the firm upon graduation and being called to the bar of Trinidad and Tobago in 2020.   If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same path for yourself? If not, what would you change?   Yes! I would certainly choose the same path for myself. The path which I took, though it

SUCCESS STORY Dopson Briggs Civil Engineer II B.Sc  Construction Project Management and Post Graduate Diploma in Civil Engineering What is your name? My name is DOPSON BRIGGS, and my career path is PROJECT MANAGEMENT and CIVIL ENGINEERING. What was your area of study? My area of study was in the Civil Engineering stream inclusive of Project Management and Construction Management where I did Certificates, Diploma, Degree and Post Graduate Programmes. What qualifications are needed for your career path? Qualifications needed for my career path are basically a degree in Civil Engineering to work as a Civil Engineer or a degree in Project Management to work as a Project Manager. What motivated your choice of study and career path? My choice of study and career path came from wanting to become an Architect since I was in Primary School because I wanted to build large buildings, I had a passion for Art and Crafts, and I always drew pictures from comic books. In high school, I did arts and crafts also Technical Drawing up to the CXC level and was successful. On leaving school I repeated some subjects and did new ones then I went on my search for success. In my search, I realised Architect was not being offered in Trinidad and Tobago so I in turn had to or was forced into the Civil Engineering stream. How has DATAS Scholarship, Grant or Bursary impacted your experience? Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS) Grant and Bursary gave me some assistance that was much appreciated. The Grant helped me a lot when I was most in need because travelling between Trinidad and Tobago every weekend for more than (3) three years was not an easy task but at the end of the day, I was grateful for the assistance. The funds were spent on transportation such as boat fare, airfare, and taxi fare as classes were in San Fernando on Saturday morning and evening only). Also, for accommodation when I travelled to Trinidad on a Friday evening and returned on a Saturday night, if lucky or most of the time on a Sunday, food, and other expenses such as books. How was the application process at DATAS? The application process at DATAS was very in-depth and intriguing, which took me some weeks to complete before final submission. The approval process took a while, then, about a year after I received the call to collect the cheque. How did you plan for added financial support? Added financial support was received through loans that I took from my Credit Unions and kept on refinancing until my degree came to some form of completion. Describe your journey, and the efforts made to be where you are now. My journey was not an easy one, I could have turned back lots of times, but failure was not an option. When I left school, I repeated some CXC subjects and did some new ones until I passed. I desperately wanted to start my career as an Architect and a professional Artist because of my love and passion for them. Architectural Studies were not offered in Trinidad and Tobago, only regionally and internationally, which discouraged me a bit, but I was still destined for success. A Senior Supervisor working at URP was planning to start a course in Tobago and my mother while working there at the time put my name down to attend the Construction Technology course. Before starting the course, I had to get some form of experience in the field, so the senior supervisor linked me up with a Construction Company called SUNCO Construction responsible for clearing and developing the area in Bon Accord where the Mt Pleasant Credit Union, the Chinese Restaurant inclusive of the Housing Scheme area are located. I was employed for approximately (6) six months as a Chainman/Surveyor helper where I gained many experiences. I started the course which was discontinued after a few months; cannot remember the reason but the Supervisor moved to Trinidad. I was back at square one with nothing to do but continue searching. John Donaldson Technical Institute decided to conduct a Diploma course in Tobago named Civil Engineering Technician (CET) in Civil Engineering. I was recommended by the same URP supervisor, and everything skyrocketed from here. After working as a chainman, I did other odd jobs until I got employed with THA doing clerical work and completed another certificate course; National Technical Certificate (NTC) in Civil Engineering. I began working on promotion as a Construction Supervisor. I then decided to pursue a third Course in Civil Engineering, Higher National Certificate (HNC). This time I had to travel to Trinidad because it was not being offered in Tobago; all courses with John Donaldson Technical Institute stopped in Tobago. So, the travelling started every Tuesday night at 11:00 pm to 4:00 am on Wednesdays as those days it was the slow (5) five-hour boat travelling. The class was on Wednesdays after lunch to 4:00 pm and Thursdays all day. After classes, for two years, I got ready for the 11:00 pm boat leaving Trinidad to be in Tobago by 4:00 am. On completing the HNC in Civil Engineering I fought to get another promotion. I tried to get into UWI more than once to do a Civil Engineering Degree but was unsuccessful twice and wondered how to get a bachelor’s degree. Word came out that a school in South, Trinidad named School of Higher Education Ltd. (SHEL) was offering a double master’s course in Civil Engineering and Construction Management, I immediately signed up and got accepted.  Within three years in trying to complete the course I also started a Degree in Construction Project Management and completed it in the same school. These courses allowed me to become a Civil Engineer after waiting more than 3 years to be certified. What do you like best about your job? The job allows me to help, meet, communicate, and learn from people of different stature. I am