Let's Build VI Launched
H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and the Ministry of Education have launched the Let’s Build VI National Scholarship Programme, offering 81 fully funded scholarships across marine, construction trades, and hospitality. The programme targets unskilled and underemployed Virgin Islanders, provides industry-recognised certification and hands-on training, and closes applications for Fall 2026 on 29 April 2026.
Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, has launched the Let’s Build VI National Scholarship Programme — a territory-wide effort to place Virgin Islanders at the centre of national development by strengthening skills in key economic sectors.
The programme was unveiled at HLSCC’s Paraquita Bay Main Campus and offers 81 fully funded scholarships in its first phase. Scholarships create structured pathways into three core sectors that drive the BVI economy: marine, construction trades, and hospitality. Funding comes from the Ministry of Education and training is delivered through HLSCC with an emphasis on industry-recognised certification, practical training and direct employment pathways.
Scholarships are distributed equitably across the Territory, with nine opportunities per district (three scholarships in each pathway) to ensure access for residents from all islands. The Marine Pathway enrols students in HLSCC’s Marine Professional Training (MPT) Level 1 programme for seamanship, navigation and safety skills for entry-level marine and yachting roles.
The Construction Trades Pathway begins with the NCCER Core Curriculum before moving into trade specialisations such as electrical, carpentry and plumbing. The Hospitality Pathway delivers the Les Roches Maître D Certificate Programme online to raise service standards across restaurants, hotels and resorts.
HLSCC President Dr Richard Georges described the initiative as a milestone for the college and a continuation of national workforce development efforts. “It is meant to equip Virgin Islanders to take up their rightful position in the sectors that drive our local economy,” he said, noting Let’s Build VI builds on the success of the Let’s Teach VI programme.
Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie B. de Castro framed the launch as a deliberate national strategy: “This programme is about dignity, ownership, and leadership. It ensures that when development happens in the Virgin Islands, our people are not watching it… we are leading it.” Prospective applicants were urged to “come serious.
Come ready to work.” Eligibility is open to BVIslanders or Belongers aged 17 and older with a high school diploma, GED or demonstrable literacy and numeracy skills; unemployed and underemployed residents are encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will attend interviews starting in June 2026 and final selections will be made by a Special Select Committee.
Applications for the Fall 2026 intake close on Friday, 29 April 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Apply online at letsbuildvi.hlscc.edu.vg, email letsbuildvi@hlscc.edu.vg, or submit in person to the Department of Admissions and Enrolment Management at HLSCC’s Paraquita Bay Main Campus.
Primary source: BVI Government