KINGSTON, Jamaica- A youth symposium will be held at Hope Gardens in Kingston on Saturday, February 3 with emphasis on arming young people with skills to operate in a worldwide gig economy and gaining vocational skills through virtual reality (VR) and cutting-edge technologies.

The youth symposium, dubbed the ‘Technology Workforce Development and Youth Empowerment Symposium’ will be hosted by Island Breeze Entertainment Group, in partnership with The Holder Group and the Correctional Management & Communications Group, LLC.

“Our aim is to not only educate but also to empower and equip the youth with the tools they need for a thriving future. The symposium, the webinars, and the subsequent scholarship opportunities are all part of a comprehensive, integrated approach to youth empowerment,” Carlyle Holder, chief executive officer (CEO) of Island Breeze Entertainment Group, said.

Holder said that the symposium is an “incubator for the potential within every young Jamaican”.

“It is here that we will introduce them to the power of monetising their passions, marrying their natural abilities and interests with viable career paths. Our approach is hands-on, utilising cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality to provide practical skills in essential trades like electrical work and plumbing, while also nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit,” the CEO added.

Following the symposium, every registered student will receive an exclusive invitation to a series of in-depth webinars. These online sessions are designed to delve deeper into the subjects that resonate most with youth.

“The topics are diverse and future-focused, tailored to open doors to new possibilities and career paths such as virtual reality training for vocational skills, exploring how VR technology is revolutionising traditional vocational training, providing immersive and interactive learning experiences in fields like electrical work, plumbing, and more,” Holder said.

The presentations will focus on three topics:

• cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, focusing on innovation, resilience, and strategic thinking.
• leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for online course development to unveil the power of AI in creating and marketing compelling online courses, a pathway to share knowledge and earn globally.
• showcasing the lucrative careers in the field of technology, guiding students through the myriad of high-demand tech careers, from software development to cybersecurity, and the skills needed to excel in these fields.

Other presentations will include showing young people how to become skilled freelancers in the gig economy, offering insights and practical tips on how to succeed as a freelancer, capitalising on digital platforms to connect with a global client base.

“This symposium is the heartbeat of our commitment to combat crime and poverty, centering on the youth of Jamaica. It’s a platform where innovation meets opportunity, blending vocational training and workforce development with a strong spirit of entrepreneurship,” Holder said.

The youth symposium will unfold before Holder’s ‘Snow On The Island Reggae Energy’ concert which will also be held on February 3 at Hope Gardens. The show will feature artistes such as Capleton, Horace Andy, Jahmiel, Shane O and Myoka.

“We strive to empower the young minds of Jamaica by providing them not only with vocational skills but also with essential life tools to successfully navigate their journey, steering clear of the criminal justice system,” Holder said.

Holder has over 27 years of distinguished service with the United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). He served 23 of those years as supervisor, manager, and executive. He was a CEO (Warden) for 12 years managing the largest Pre-Trial and Correctional Complex facilities in the BOP.

Holder also served as the National President of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice in the United States and during tenure he helped with the founding of the Association of Caribbean Heads of Prisons and Corrections.

“Join us at this momentous event, where the fusion of technology, skill development, and entrepreneurism underpins our mission. Together, we are paving a new path for the youth of Jamaica, steering them towards success and away from societal challenges. It’s more than a symposium; it’s a movement to empower, inspire, and transform,” Holder said.

Interested people can register for the symposium at https://www.snowontheisland.com/ja-youth-symposium