YOUR OWN BUSINESS first, a job is the second option.
This, from former student and businessman Philip Greaves, sharing his experience with some St George Secondary School students as he took part in the school’s career showcase yesterday.
Greaves told some fifth-form students viewing the exhibits that a lot of people leave school with the intention of just getting a job, but even though operating a business may be more work, it is better to be self-employed,
“At the end of the day, it is yours,” he said.
Greaves recalled his days at the school and deciding while in third form that he wanted to work for himself. He owns and operates Greaves Transport and Services, which he formed when he was 18 years old, and recently formed an additional company.
“I have certificates that I could go into someone’s office and work for them, but I like working for myself,” he said.
One of the guidance counsellors at the school, Cyrilene Willoughby, said the career showcase was to show the children that every skill they have in today’s world is worth something.
“Everybody is not purely academic and even if you are academic, the skills are important. You can in fact earn a living,” she said.
Willoughby said it was important that children be exposed to other than traditional areas of work – such as net maker, fish vendor, massage therapist, garment maker and electrician.
“With the state of today’s economy, it is becoming more and more necessary to have something that you can fall back on other than the academics. Therefore we figure that nontraditional areas of exposure will be appropriate for these students,” Willoughby said.
She added that third- to fifth-form students were the major focus of the showcase, since third-formers will next week select their options for fourth and fifth year.
The cosmetology students enrolled in the School to Work Programme also showcased their skills.
Cosmetology teacher Althea Thompson said the class of 17 students are exposed to manicures, pedicures and hairdressing, but the emphasis is on theory.
“The students need to understand that there is a general correlation and you have to be able to read instructions and follow manufacturer’s directions in order to work,” she said.
The Special Services Unit of the Royal Barbados Police Force got a lot of attention from male students as they had on display a variety of equipment used on a daily basis, including a bullet-proof vest, helmets and some weapons. (LK)
