BTVI’s Exuma Extension Campus is making its mark on the island. Shown from left toright are Human Resources Management student, Allenique Wells; Exuma ExetensionCampus, Family Island Site Administrator, Quinshikka McKinney-Smith; OfficeAdministration Dual Enrolment Student from L. N. Coakley High School, Kendia Brownand Electrical Installation student, Luchiano Munroe.

It is refreshing for residents of Exuma to have on-the-ground, practical vocationaltraining now available to them. Thanks to Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute(BTVI) spreading its wings to the family islands, Exumians have access to appliedlearning without having to leave the island.

Located in Hoopers Town, BTVI Exuma Extension Campus is in shared facilities with theExuma Foundation. This semester, 87 students are enroled in courses such asInformation Technology Fundamentals, Introduction to Computers, Keyboarding, Introduction to Business, and Office Procedures, in addition to the eight-week BarberingProfessional Development Course and the15-week Natural Hair Styling, which is aSpecial Interest Programme .

Human Resource Management student, Allenique Wells, said studying at BTVI hasinfluenced her perspective of the workplace.

“Juggling homework, group projects and tests – though taxing at times – have given mevaluable time management and organisational skills. My critical thinking and problem- solving abilities, as well as my capacity for teamwork, have been enhanced by groupprojects and case studies that mimicked actual HR situations, “said Ms. Wells.

Having studied topics like Employment Law, Performance Management, EmployeeRelations and Recruiting and Selection, Ms. Wells, who is on track to graduate in spring2025 said she has gained valuable knowledge and is excited about her career path.

BTVI’s Exuma Extension Campus’ Family Island Site Administrator, QuinshikkaMcKinney-Smith, who joined the BTVI family in November 2024, expressed thesignificance of BTVI’s presence on the island.

“Exumians now have access to some of the same opportunities as residents of GrandBahama and New Providence. They can now receive the same level of educationwithout having to leave the comforts of their island, move in with friends or family, oreven quit their employment to advance academically,” said Ms. McKinney-Smith.

Ms. Mickinney-Smith knows this all too well. Though a native of Abaco, she moved toExuma almost 30 years ago to complete high school. She had to leave Exuma to attendBTVI in New Providence to study Office Administration.

It was therefore a proud moment for her to attend BTVI’s 2025 New Providence Commencement Exercise to witness 11 of the 16 students from the Exuma ExtensionCampus graduate.

“Serving and working with youth and the community, as a whole, is something I’mpassionate about. Seeing folks achieve their objectives makes me very happy. I wasquite proud to see the joy on the faces of the first batch of students to graduate andtheir families,” said Ms. McKinney-Smith.

“It gives me a tremendous sense of satisfaction as we strive to reduce the skills gap andoffer young people and the community viable career paths. Older persons are alsoimproving themselves. Based on the people attending classes, I believe there will be anacademic shift in Exuma, and government offices will be transformed because of BTVIon the island,” she stated.