U.S. Virgin Islands to Enhance Career Training with New Courses Pending Certification

The U.S. Virgin Islands is poised to expand its Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings, as the CTE board anticipates the certification of new curriculums in a variety of fields. Monique Faulkner, the state director of Career and Technical Education, announced at a recent board meeting that new programs in nursing, phlebotomy, medical massage therapy, medical assistance, and computer network engineering are on the horizon.

Faulkner emphasized the importance of formal certification for these programs, some of which have been informally implemented for years. Certification by the board will facilitate their integration into high school curriculums and alignment with university programs, thus streamlining educational pathways and reducing redundancy.

A particularly innovative aspect of the expansion is the adaptation of an agricultural curriculum from Mississippi, which is being customized to meet the unique needs of the Virgin Islands. Faulkner’s team plans to ‘Virgin Island-ize’ the curriculum, ensuring it is relevant to local students and industries.

The Department of Education’s internal committee is set to collaborate with CTE Board Committee Chair Anastasie Jackson on evaluating and refining the agricultural curriculum. Faulkner proposed a flexible curriculum model that includes specializations in areas vital to the local economy, such as agritourism, agribusiness, and aquaponics.

A key goal for Faulkner is to ensure students earn industry-recognized certifications that hold value both within the Virgin Islands and nationally, propelling them into meaningful careers in agriculture and beyond.

Collaboration with the University of the Virgin Islands, particularly leveraging its aquaponics expertise, is central to the initiative. This partnership aims to offer students dual credits and certifications, enhancing their educational and career prospects.

The board expressed strong support for Faulkner’s leadership in developing these essential CTE programs, despite challenges in retaining teaching staff for existing courses. This initiative represents a significant step forward in equipping Virgin Islands students with the skills and certifications needed for successful careers in emerging and traditional sectors.