WorldSkills medallist Albert calls for stronger support for tech-voc ed

Khajon Albert is using his historic WorldSkills bronze medal to call for greater investment in technical and vocational education, arguing that Barbados’ young people need stronger opportunities to develop practical skills outside the traditional academic pathway.

The 19-year-old became the first Barbadian to win a medal at the global skills competition after placing third in Intelligent Security Technology in Shanghai.

Speaking to reporters on his return home, Albert said the achievement should serve as evidence of the potential of Barbadian youth when they are given the right training, resources and opportunities.

He said: “While I am grateful, much more needs to be done. I would like to see a change. I believe that positive changes can be made to the development of skilled youth and vocational education in Barbados as a whole.”

Support should extend beyond young people who compete internationally to those whose talents may not fit within conventional academic standards, he said.

“Not just those being seen for competitions, but to those that have skills that don’t fit into the regular academic standards.”

He continued: “The medals I have brought home are not merely simple reflections of a personal accomplishment to myself. I see them as evidence that we Bajans are just as capable, impressive, and outstanding as any other nation out there, whilst we are given a thriving environment and impactful experiences.”

His experience had reinforced the value of technical training and the need for Barbados to create an environment where practical skills are valued alongside academic achievement, Albert said.

“My hope for the future of the island is to see a home that values practical skills as much as academic performance, nurturing our youth using refreshed and re-approached facilities to lead them into numerous growing sectors.”

Reflecting on his own achievement, Albert admitted that he was still coming to terms with the significance of becoming Barbados’ first WorldSkills medallist.

“Honestly, I am still a little overwhelmed, overjoyed, everything…so I would say I’m still very much processing it all.”

He recalled the moment he learned he had secured third place: “I thought about everything back home, I thought about my team, my loved ones, my everything, and it was just, I couldn’t believe it. I was so happy, I was so stunned, and it will be an unforgettable moment for the rest of my life.”

Albert’s journey into cybersecurity began with a course through TVET Council, where he completed the Cisco CyberOps Associate programme.

“I started this journey actually through a cybersecurity course at TVET for the Cisco CyberOps Associate, and once I graduated, Dario Walcott selected me for this. He said that it would be a good fit, it’ll be a nice experience and the rest is history,” he said.

He credited the TVET Council and his support team for helping him prepare for the international competition.

Barbados’ first WorldSkills medallist Khajon Albert. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)

Khajon Albert sharing a light moment with his mother, Stephanie Chase. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)

Barbados’ first WorldSkills medallist Khajon Albert in sheer jubilation, as he continued the celebration of his third-place finish at the recently held WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)

The Barbadian contingent from the 48th WorldSkills Competition held in Shanghai were all smiles after they returned home on Tuesday. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)

“For the past six months, the TVET Council has been working assiduously to provide us with various resources, unique opportunities and training, and the appropriate support mechanisms that were necessary in developing the performance necessary to bring back this medal.”

Looking ahead, he plans to build on the experience by pursuing a career in cybersecurity and gaining additional certifications, while leaving open the possibility of pursuing a master’s degree.

“From here, I am looking to start my cybersecurity career, pursue my certifications, maybe a Master’s, see where life takes me.”

(SB)