Youth Encouraged to Get Certified in the Creative Industry

#Jamaica, February 15, 2022 – Entrepreneur and fashion lecturer at the University of Technology (UTech), Donald Mirander, is encouraging students interested in the creative industry to get formal training in their respective disciplines.

Mr. Mirander, who was speaking at the Jamaica Creative Career Expo on Thursday (February 10), said that in becoming certified professionals, creatives will better understand their value and be stronger businesspersons.

The expo was staged by the Jamaica Creative team of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston.

It engaged high-school and tertiary students interested in or pursuing studies in the various areas of the culture and creative industries.

“I believe it is important for us to certify our skill sets. I find that in Jamaica creatives, their businesses are built on experiential knowledge. And that is good, but it is very important as well [that you] understand the history, background and different techniques [in your field],” Mr. Mirander said.

Mr. Mirander, who was the first fashion designer to receive a Chevening Scholarship in 2020, reasoned that creatives lacking formal training often do not know their worth and price their products outside of the market value.

The young designer said that studying fashion was one of the best decisions he  made. He noted that the knowledge he acquired has empowered him, especially as he charts the entrepreneurial course.

Mr. Mirander is encouraging students to embrace the creative industry and strive for success.

“For me, [my drive] is in the eyes of my siblings, nieces and nephews. It’s me wanting to do more for them and be an example so that they have someone to look up to. I did not have [that],” he said.

Other presenters at the Jamaica Creative Career Expo in the culinary and fashion industries were Brian Lumley, Mina Robertson, Carlton Brown, and Novia McDonald-White.

Contact: Rocheda Bartley (Public Relations Officer)

Release: JIS