Celebrating skills, developing true potential!
Roxroy McLean,Youthlink Writer

Hundreds of young, talented Jamaican youth made their way to the National Arena on April 24-25 to showcase their talents at the National World Skills competition.

The event was organised by the Heart Trust/NTA with the aim of getting youth to become valuable in today's society and includes the display of skills in cosmetology, speech, dub poetry, painting, fashion design, information technology, just to name a few.

This food ornament expresses exactly what the National World Skill Competition is all about.

Vocational skills

"The idea is to get students to become employable and also to teach them vocational skills, while doing their academic studies," said Annette Atkinson, director of communications at the event.

Since its inception three years ago, the programme has been successful, with competitors now vying for a spot on the national team.

If students manage to make the team, they will earn the opportunity to compete at the World Skills Competition in Calgary, Canada, next year.

Jamaica is the first English-speaking country to gain official membership in the competition and has already participated in two.

Dazzling talents

There was talent all over the arena as students from different Heart Trust/NTA institutions came displaying their skills, dazzling amazed onlookers.

Fans gave a loud cheer for the performance of Trudi-Ann Harrison, who is a student at the Aabuttnott Gallimore High School in St Ann. Speaking with Youthlink after she sang an original piece in the performing arts section of the competition, Harrison said her inspiration came from Romaine Virgo, the winner of the recently concluded Digicel Rising Stars competition.

"Romaine is an inspirational figure in my life because of how he used his singing talent and the success that it brought to him. Even when it gets a bit challenging, I can call on him for advice," said Trudi-Ann.

The Heart Trust/NTA provides numerous career choices for any student, who wants to improve him/herself. The programmes at the Heart Trust/NTA include: soft furnishing, computer installation, ceramics and costume jewellery.

Those who turned up to competition made no bones about complimenting the talent of the contestants.

Omar Morgan, a contestant in the computer installation section of the National World Skills Competition, attempts to build a computer from scratch.

What you sew you shall surely reap!

The level of talent at the National Arena was unbelievable, as this artist's representation suggests.

Now ladies, here are a few tips!!

- Photos by Roxroy McLean