ABCAS Marks First Short Course Graduation with Training Across 11 Programmes

The Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) has celebrated its first short course graduates, equipping participants from a broad cross-section of the workforce with skills ranging from agriculture and plumbing to hospitality and corporate governance.

More than 100 course completions were recognised during Wednesday’s ceremony at the John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Centre, marking the first graduation for the College’s short course programmes under its unified structure.

The graduating class included farmers, board members, janitorial and security personnel, established professionals and others seeking to strengthen their skills or pursue new opportunities.

Education Minister Daryll S. Matthew called on businesses to help graduates put their training into practice.

“I also want to appeal to corporate Antigua and Barbuda to support these graduates by providing opportunities through internships and employment, allowing them to put the skills they have acquired into practice,” he said.

Matthew linked the expansion of practical training to national development, highlighting the importance of agricultural education to the country’s food security ambitions.

“If we are going to be serious about food security, we have to support the School of Agriculture,” he said.

He also urged the continued expansion of short courses to prepare more Antiguans and Barbudans for the workforce.

The 11 programmes covered Broiler Production, Crop Production, Basic Household Plumbing Repairs, Electrical Fundamentals, HVACR for Technicians, Governance and Insurance for Board Directors, Hospitality Service Excellence–Front Desk, Professional Bartending and Mixology, Professional Desserts and Presentation, Professional Eyelash Application, and Professional Food and Beverage Service.

The offerings drew on expertise across ABCAS’s five campuses, spanning business and information technology, agriculture, technical and vocational education, tourism and hospitality, and education, arts, science and industry.

ABCAS President Dr. E. Jonah Greene encouraged graduates to use their knowledge to create opportunities for themselves and others. She said her vision was for the College to become the institution individuals and organisations turn to when seeking to improve their knowledge and skills.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Vernon Solomon, commended graduates for choosing personal development, stressing that continued learning is essential as technology evolves.

“You made the choice to develop a new skill when it would have been easy to remain comfortable,” he said “We all have an obligation to continue growing.”

The ceremony also recognised the Most Outstanding Students across the 11 programmes.

Delivering the graduate response, School of Agriculture participant Joe Anna Stevens spoke about the responsibilities and uncertainty many students had overcome to complete their training.

“Behind these gowns are journeys filled with long days, demanding responsibilities and, for some of us, the fear of trying something new,” she said. “ABCAS gave us an opportunity to take that step.”

Stevens encouraged fellow graduates to apply their skills and continue learning, while thanking the School of Agriculture and course facilitators for their support.

Certificates were presented by officials including Matthew, Solomon and ABCAS Vice-President Dr. Na-Ajele Williams-Buffonge, who oversees academic affairs and the short course programmes.

The College plans to build on the initial offerings, expanding opportunities for people to acquire skills for use in their workplaces, businesses and communities.