PHILIPSBURG--Consultancy firm International Marketing, Business Development Research, Advertising, Communication, Event Planning and Educational Services IMBRACE will be conducting extensive scientific research to amongst other things develop a new study priority list for St. Maarten.
IMBRACE won a public bid to carry out the project for NAf. 25,200. The three-month research starts this month and is expected to be completed in March. The details of the planned research were released at a press conference hosted by Education Minister Silveria Jacobs and IMBRACE CEO Jacqueline Louis.
The study is to determine the labour market and societal needs for short, medium and long term as it relates to the issuance of study financing. This study will produce a 2017 Study Financing Priority List of studies, qualifications and profession which is better aligned with St. Maarten’s economic and educational strategic plans.
“Considering the need to increase the study financing return on investment and reduce the demand for foreign human resources and youth unemployment, the Ministry found it essential to establish a study financing priority listing based on scientific research,” Jacobs said. “Ultimately, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports’ goal is to ensure that the issuance of study financing will enable students’ to pursue academic careers which are conducive to the growth and demands of St. Maarten’s current and emerging labour markets.”
IMBRACE CEO Jacqueline Louis will be leading this initiative along with a team of specialists. “We will be building upon our previous experience in market research as well as our understanding of both the education and business/labour markets to efficiently conduct this study,” Louis said.
IMBRACE is also tasked with translating its findings into a priority listing of study programmes, educational qualifications, professions and jobs. The Priority List will essentially serve as the guideline for the revision and issuance of study financing to students interested in pursuing their tertiary education in St. Maarten or abroad.
IMBRACE’s comprehensive approach to this study includes consultations and open dialogs with students, parents, schools, guidance counsellors, businesses and various organisations that collectively contribute to St. Maarten’s workforce development.
The methodology will include surveys and questionnaires that will be conducted in-person and/or online to gain in-depth insight from stakeholders. IMBRACE hopes to obtain responses from some 200 questionnaires.
Additionally, a business Human Resources (HR) forum as well as Student Focus Group(s) will be held to engage key target audiences. Targeted participants will be contacted with invitations to attend these activities with specific dates, times and locations in the coming months.
“Everyone is encouraged to participate and contribute openly to various aspects of the study. The development of a sustainable labour market affects us all,” says Louis. The minister also urged everyone to participate in the survey.
Additional information can be obtained from Louis at tel. 581-7973 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
