ST. CROIX – The Committee on Education and Workforce Development, chaired by Senator Kurt Vialet met in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room. Lawmakers received an update on the status of workforce development programs, the breakdown of local and federal funds allocated for workforce development, an update on the youth and apprenticeship program, the financial breakdown of expenditures for the Youth Apprenticeship Program, the status of the Summer Youth Work Experience Program and the Youth Team Impact.

Gary Molloy, Commissioner of the Department of Labor delivered testimony. Molloy reminded the body that the Virgin Islands State Workforce Development Board determines policy and identifies target industries in the Virgin Islands. The Department builds the territory’s pipeline through Workforce Development Boards that focus on identified target industries funded through a combination of local and federal funds. Local funds are used only for youth services.

The Current Workforce Development programs are under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). When customers visit the VIDOL office, they will first interact with a staff member in Employment Services. After the customer’s need is determined, the customer will either remain in Employment Services, or be referred to WIOA Youth, adult, and/or dislocated worker program. The demand industries identified by the Workforce Development Board include Administrative and Support Services, Allied Health, Architecture and Construction Trades, Information Technology, Leisure and Hospitality, Retail, Transportation and Logistics, Engineering and Mathematics, Agribusiness, Health Sciences and Renewable Energy and Maritime Industry. According to Molloy, the Record of Workforce Development Services that align with key industries include 118 individuals enrolled in training programs, 20 individuals certified, 51 individuals studying, and 31 individuals employed in the field. A “Grow with Google” Program, which provided the public with free training in specialized training in Data Analytics, Digital Marketing E-Commerce, IT Support, Project Management Security included 85 live learnings, 71 learners enrolled and 16 completers who earned a certificate.

The Youth and Apprenticeship Division is dedicated to assist job seekers between the ages of 14-25. The Youth Team conducts in house academic and career assessments to tailor services to the customer’s needs. An Individual Employment Plan or Service Strategy is created, referrals are made to services providers. A wide range of services are offered, including job preparation skills, resume’ building, and paid and unpaid work experiences. The division offers programs including  Occupational Skills Training, the Work, Learn and Earn Program (17–24 year-olds), the Summer Youth Work Experience Program (14–25 year olds), the Labor Investing for Tomorrow (LIFT) Internship Program, and the Jobs for America’s Graduates Virgin Islands program (JAG-VI), which is in collaboration with the Virgin Islands Department of Education.

Through an investment of $385,956.64, the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission, the JAG-VI program was expanded, which allowed 100 12^th Grade Students to receive stipends for their required on the job training hours. This year, the program expanded to include 9^th and 10^th grade students, resulting in increase in Enrolment bringing the total to 329 students. Within the Workforce Development Services for Youth, 140 12^th Grade Students successfully completed the JAG-VI Program, and graduated in May 2024.  In March 2025, 265 12^th graders were placed on per diem to make sure they had stipends for their on-the-job training hours.  This began in January 2025 across various sectors.  Stipends have already been committed to 40 12^th graders engaged in the OJT segment of the NAF Academy. The Youth Team also serves over 700 youth by using federal and local funds, with the number of participants determined by the availability of funds. The Summer Youth Work Experience target current high school students, out of school youth, current college students, graduate students, and recent graduates. LIFT students must be college juniors, seniors our recent graduates with 60 or more credits. The Department of Labor has received a total of 548 online applications for the Summer Youth Experience Program.

Another program of importance has been the Registered Apprentice Program, which combines on the job training with job related education. Apprentices can earn a progressively increasing wage. All the programs adhere to industry occupational standards, ensuring authenticity and consistency, which lead to a nationally recognized certificate. The duration of the program can be from one to five years.

Chair Vialet voiced concern over some of the programs, asking Commissioner Molloy how the Virgin Islands were increasing the numbers for the areas we know we need, such as carpentry and electricity, so that the Virgin Islands did not have to import workers from other areas. Molloy stated that he and his team had been in every housing community at least three times. However, he stated that there was not much interest in construction in the St. Thomas-St. John District and interest was higher in St. Croix.  Though Commissioner Molloy touted a low unemployment rate in the territory of 3.2%, Chair Vialet stated that the number was not representative of the community, due to many in the territory who had simply chosen to not seek employment.

Chrystie Payne, Program Director, My Brother’s Workshop delivered further testimony. The organization works with at-risk and high-risk youth in the US Virgin Islands. The organization has a woodworking shop on St. Croix, a workshop, a café, and a campus on St. Thomas that houses an industrial kitchen, event space, classrooms, a café, and offices. It has worked with over 1,600 trainees, both male and female since its inception and serves about 100 men and women per year. Payne stated that workforce development serves as a powerful deterrent to crime and incarceration, stating that when young people have access to meaningful work and a path to career advancement, they are less likely to resort to risky or illegal behavior.

Frandelle Gerard, Executive Director of Crucian Heritage & Nature Tourism, provided additional testimony. The mission of the organization is to promote, preserve, and conserve the built and natural environment of St. Croix and the Virgin Islands and to serve as a catalyst for sustainable tourism development. CHANT launched its fifth series of six-week Introduction to Woodworking Workforce training programs. The workshops reached 15 individuals during the six-week program where they were introduced to the lathe, pen turning and turning bowls, and created tabletops, cutting boards, and other items. Six trainees transferred to a construction project as apprentices. This included cleaning the property, demolition, and restoration of buildings and their shutters, window openings and porch railings. Additionally, CHANT has devoted partnerships in the environmental sector with the department of Planning and Natural Resources, and the Nature Conservancy for the implementation of a workforce training program and the development of the Virgin Islands Conservation Corps. This program would train and employ young adults 18-30 to implement projects such as mangrove restoration, sediment reduction, stormwater run-off management, development and maintenance, coastal trail development, marine debris removal. The first training cohort is expected to serve 10 to 15 young adults.

Suzanne Darrow-Magras, Phd, Director of the University of the Virgin Islands Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning (UVI CELL) spoke of the role UVI CELL has in workforce development in the territory. UVI Cell, established in 2002, has three services lines, Continuing Education and Workforce Development, Community Engagement, and Economic Development. It serves over 2,000 customers with various programs and services. Darrow-Magras highlighted various initiatives and partnerships, including those with the Department of Labor, Department of Education, and the Bureau of Corrections. UVI CELL programs support the development of essential skills and certifications, preparing individuals for high demand careers. Additionally, Darrow-Magras highlighted the opening of the UVI St. John Community Resource Center, expansion of programs like aviation training, and culinary arts certifications.

Senators that were present at the Committee hearing were: Kurt A. Vialet, Marvin A. Blyden, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Hubert L. Frederick, Kenneth L. Gittens, Marise C. James, Franklin D. Johnson, Carla J. Joseph, and Clifford A. Joseph.

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