Dear Career Advisor,

I am a 15-year-old student in fourth form. I want to become a businessman owning a garment factory and clothing line. I wanted to do clothing and textiles as my vocational subject, however, my school does not allow for the mix of the business stream with other vocational options. I think it is unfair that I can’t do the combination of subjects I want. How can you help?

Treyvon C

Dear Treyvon,

The clarity of your career aspirations is commendable.

Based on the limitation of resources, and the number of possible combination of subjects students sometimes want to do, schools have had to cluster the range of subjects into streams. These streams are intended to provide the best support for your future career based on your current interests and performance. Recognising those limitations, you should now devote your energies to doing your very best in the subjects you are now taking which will lay a solid foundation for your future ventures.

Regarding your desire to learn the skill of garment construction, the good news is that that can be done at any time. You could start by doing a short course. After high school you could enrol in the local technical vocational programme by NCTVET, which now includes formal apprenticeship training. Other excellent garment construction programmes are also available at some local universities.

As time permits, it would also be good to learn other technical skills that would support your quest, such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), digital embroidery designing and digital pattern making, etc.

Don’t be daunted by what now appears to be a hurdle. Consider that you are building a solid foundation.

Sincerely,

Career Advisor

Dear Career Advisor,

I have been in a witness protection programme for a few years. I had a fairly good job before. I am now ready to re-enter the job market. How do I explain the gap in my employment history?

Yours truly,

AH

Dear AH,

You must be commended for standing up for what is right. I take it that matters concerning your safety have now been settled.

It is not uncommon, especially in Jamaica, for people to be unemployed for significant periods of time. With that as the local situation, you might be able to avoid explaining your employment gap beyond what you are comfortable with.

Reflect on how you have engaged your time during the period and try to use descriptors that will capture the essence of those activities that would be of value to your potential employer. What technical or soft skills did you utilise or develop? Examples of activities that could be included are volunteering, caring for an aged relative, short-term or contract work, and skill development. Keep your explanation concise. Do try to put a positive spin on the things you were doing without appearing apologetic.

Additionally, you could consider including a brief explanation in your cover letter. Again, be succinct and refrain from revealing too much.

Sincerely,

Career Advisor

Dear Career Advisor,

I want be become a teacher. I left school five years ago but I still have not been able to do anything towards achieving my dream.

Yours truly,

Keisha W

Dear Keisha W,

First things first: don’t lose sight of our goals. Never give up! The road to success is often unpaved and littered with challenges.

You did not mention the type of teacher you hope to become or whether you have met the entry requirements for college. Most teacher-training programmes require that you have at least five external passes at the secondary level, including mathematics and English language. You also need to start thinking of the programme you want to do. The basic options are early childhood, primary, secondary (with specialisation), or special education. If you have not already done so, begin researching the institutions that offer teacher training, which include technical vocational institutions, teachers’ colleges and universities.

It was also unclear what have been the perceived barriers to your career journey. Often, funding is cited as the most common hurdle to tertiary level training. On the assumption that for you this might be a consideration, I would suggest that you bear in mind that expenditure on education is an investment that often requires sacrifice and commitment, but in the end will be well worth it. Funding options include savings, family, sponsors, student loan, and part-time employment.

Develop a plan, put it in motion and stick to it.

Sincerely,

Career Advisor

Carolyn Marie Smith is Director of Career & Employment Services at Northern Caribbean University. Submit your questions to her at careeradvisor@ncu.edu.jm.`