Minister of Education and TCI Community College Team visits Andaz Residence Development Construction site in Grace Bay

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM

YOUTH, SPORTS AND CULTURE

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – Thursday, 3 April 2025: On Thursday, 20 March 2025 the Minister of Education, Hon. Rachel Taylor, visited the Andaz Residence Development Construction site in Grace Bay, Providenciales, alongside fifteen students from the Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC), who are pursuing their associate’s degree in building and design technology.

Accompanying the students were the Dean of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Mr. Kevin Baxter, the Chair of the Technical and Vocational Faculty, Ms Malini Honnegowda, and lecturers, including Mr. Dane Malabver as well as other crucial support team from the TCICC.

The visit provided the students with a unique opportunity to observe the construction process firsthand and gain invaluable insights into the development process and construction techniques in a professional environment,t as the students engaged with the crew and learn about the materials used in accordance with local building codes. This hands-on, real-time experience allowed the students to connect theory to practice and ask relevant questions related to their field of study and effectively bridge the gap between their theoretical knowledge and its practical application in the industry.

According to Mr Malabver, “The students were able to deepen their understanding of key construction principles, design considerations, and project management techniques. The experience enhanced their learning and reinforced the relevance of their studies in the Building and Design Technology programme.”

“The future is in the hands of those who are skill-driven. We want our students to understand that their skills are their most valuable asset—skills pay the bills,” Minister Taylor remarked during the visit.

In addition, the Minister took the opportunity to discuss potential internship and apprenticeship opportunities for students, both at the high school and college levels. She emphasised the importance of strong partnerships with private sector companies in ensuring a smooth transition into the workforce.

Immediately following the visit to Andaz, Hon. Taylor toured the recently renovated TVET Construction workshop at the College’s East Campus in Providenciales. This newly updated space marks the completion of phase 1, and the focus now shifts to phase 2, which involves retrofitting it with the necessary equipment to support training in various trades.

This workshop will be a game changer for TVET and TCICC, enabling expanded programme delivery to meet the growing demands for training and certification in the construction and related sectors within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

As TCICC continues to strengthen its construction-related courses, fostering these partnerships is seen as critical to equipping students with the skills necessary for success.  “We are intentional in our efforts to bring about the desired change. TVET in action at TCICC ensures that our students gain the relevant work experience that will propel them into their chosen careers,” the Minister added.

At TCICC, the focus remains clear—by providing students with the practical, in-demand skills they need, we are not only shaping their futures but also contributing to the overall growth and development of the community.