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It is an accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centre, one of only two such centres licensed by the Education Council of the Ministry of Education for the Cayman Islands Government.

Along with its training programmes, a significant part of its work is teaching job-readiness skills and promoting the potential of careers in the trades.

Here are several students who have participated in the programme and are now pursuing thriving careers in their chosen field.

LAKEISHA MASON

Shortly after Lakeisha Mason graduated with a master’s degree in architecture from Florida International University, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and Cayman went under lockdown.

“One could say I graduated at the worst time, but COVID presented a wonderful opportunity for the Cayman Islands to strengthen its vocational careers,” says Lakeisha.

After meeting with the director of Inspire Cayman Training, Michael Myles, the 29-year-old Caymanian decided to enroll in Inspire Cayman’s construction certification programme.

The construction industry flourished during the pandemic, and Lakeisha felt the certificate programme would enhance her career prospects.

“I have the knowledge not only to draft blueprints but physically build them as well,” she notes. “Inspire Cayman solidified the importance of highlighting my story, as a Caymanian woman in a male predominate field. It provided me with an environment where I could finally get my hands dirty for a change, without being judged or belittled.”

The programme also gave her confidence to follow her dream of eventually starting her own construction company.

“The development of my confidence and professional demeanor surpassed my expectations, which turned out to be the best investment to assist in my long-term career goal of owning my own construction development firm,” she says.

Lakeisha is currently a plans examiner in the Building Control Unit with the government’s Department of Planning. Her goals are to strengthen her knowledge in all construction disciplines including architecture, structure, mechanical, plumbing and electrical.

“I truly look forward to seeing what spectrum of development, both residential and commercial, will be generated throughout the Cayman Islands within the next 10 to 20 years,” she says. “How will we balance the Cayman culture, meanwhile promoting stable development, is the ultimate island question.”

MESHACH TAYLOR

For Meshach Taylor, taking part in Inspire Cayman Training has allowed him to take the first steps towards building a career in the automotive industry.

After attending John Gray High School and the Cayman Islands Further Education Centre, the 19-year-old was encouraged to enroll in Inspire Cayman’s trade school programme.

He took part in automotive arts, learning to service and maintain vehicles.

“This training programme has given me more knowledge and hope for a future career,” he says. “It also motivated me to be more focused as an individual overall.”

Meshach is currently a terminal operator with Rubis Cayman Islands Limited.

“My goals for the future are to advance in my present career and continue to be a part of the company that I am now employed with,” he says.

KAMERON D’HUE

Kameron D’Hue began his journey with Inspire Cayman Training in August of 2019, taking a course to become a dive instructor.

The 24-year-old is now working as a professional PADI instructor in an industry that typically has few Caymanians.

A graduate of John Gray High School, Kameron says the training programme, along with a scholarship from Build Your Future Cayman, has been invaluable for his career aspirations. Inspire Cayman’s professional development course has also been a key to his success.

“They first had me do a training course called ‘Tools for Success’ before I did any dive training of any sort,” he says. “I learned the necessary workplace etiquette needed to not only get a job but to be able to keep it.”

That included everything from how to solve conflicts and interviewing skills to how to properly address concerns with an employer.

He says while the dive instructor programme was challenging, perseverance and hard work paid off.

“In the Instructor Dive training programme, I learned many things – and I’m still learning to this day. I’ve learned how to dive properly and safely, how to guide guests on dives, and equipment preparation and care,” he says.

“As a dive instructor, I also did the necessary training to pass the instructor’s written and practical exams to be able to safely teach others how to dive, which included many early mornings and late nights of studying dive physics and physiology, how water pressure affects the body, PADI standards and procedures, risk management and diver safety, to name a few.”

Kameron is also an Emergency First Responder instructor.

“This means I not only know how to perform CPR, provide oxygen, assess a variety of injuries and illnesses, and provide first aid and bandaging/splinting but can also teach and certify others in it,” he says.

He learned basic boat maintenance and has earned captain licences from two different boating training organisations.

Kameron is currently working with GoPro Seaports Cayman Diving as an open water dive instructor, Emergency First Response instructor and boat captain.

“My goal is to one day have my own dive operation,” he says. “And I plan to learn as much as I can and gain as much experience as possible to help me reach that goal.” It all comes back to Inspire Cayman Training, which he recommends for those seeking a career in the watersports industry.

“This training programme has helped me tremendously by providing me with a great facility and staff to learn the necessary skills and training, by helping me obtain scholarships that paid for my training and gear, and by providing me with endless support and mentorship to this day,” he says.

“I highly encourage anyone interested in joining to do so.”