KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator Ruel Reid, says the education and training system is being realigned to ensure that students are properly prepared for the “new economy.”

  Reid, who met with members of the National Career Integration Committee at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday, said the move is necessary as the world embraces the “fourth industrial revolution.”

The fourth industrial revolution is characterised by a range of new technologies that are impacting all disciplines, economies and industries.

Central to this revolution are emerging technology breakthroughs in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, networking of devices, autonomous vehicles, 3D printing and nanotechnology.  

Reid pointed out that a lot of careers that now exist might become obsolete in about 20 years. “We’re going to be losing about two billion jobs across the globe due to technology,” he noted.

The minister, who was addressing the committee ahead of the observance of National Careers Week (NCW) from February 11-17, said it is necessary for students and parents to be sensitised to the career opportunities and the work readiness skills that are required in the new age.

He said students must consider careers in the higher end of business process management such as legal process outsourcing and knowledge process outsourcing.

This year’s National Careers Week will be held under the theme: ‘Expanding Horizons for Vision 2030’ and is being positioned as the premier event to prepare citizens for their future.

The objective of NCW is to inspire wiser career choices among Jamaicans and engage youth and adults in helping to establish the country as a globally competitive nation.

A number of activities are being planned for NCW including church services, school and library expositions, career days, and take your child to work day, among others.