Two SKN Nationals to head to Germany for Vocational Training

Dillon Simmonds of St. Kitts and Rodison Jeffers of Nevis will be the first from the Federation to pursue technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Germany, marking a significant milestone in the nation's educational and skill-building initiatives.

A Vision for Advanced Education

The initiative stems from a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024 between the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC), the Advanced Vocational Education Centre (AVEC), and the Chamber of Crafts Flensburg, Germany.

Prime Minister Hon. Dr Terrance Drew met with Simmonds and Jeffers on July 1, 2025, to commend them on their pioneering achievement.

The Prime Minister highlighted the genesis of this partnership, which he envisioned even before taking office.

"My interest really peaked with respect to the scientific method from Germany because as a science student in school, I learned about all these great scientists who came from Germany, including Einstein, and I always thought about how can we get our people immersed in the German education system and to learn the scientific method which could really help to advance us here in St. Kitts and Nevis.

And from that time, I dedicated myself to really pushing a collaboration between St. Kitts and Nevis and Germany. I was not even elected at that point, but I said if I would ever get elected or have the opportunity to forge such a relationship, I would definitely do it. And today, in 2025, we have two young men, one from Nevis and one from St. Kitts, who will be travelling to Germany to pursue their studies in the vocational technical area."

Germany's vocational training system is internationally recognised for its effectiveness, combining practical workplace experience with theoretical instruction in vocational schools.

This "dual system" typically lasts between two and three and a half years, with trainees spending a significant portion of their time (often 60-75%) in companies and the remainder at vocational schools.

Trainees are directly involved in company work processes and receive a monthly wage, which helps cover their living costs.

Preparing for a Global Standard

Simmonds and Jeffers, both 20 years old, have successfully completed German language training, achieving a B1 certificate of proficiency, and participated in preparatory workshops with German experts who visited St. Kitts and Nevis.

The preparation is crucial, as German language proficiency (typically B1 or B2 level) is a common requirement for vocational training programs in Germany.

Upon completion, the young men will earn the prestigious 'Bachelor Professional' qualification as electronics technicians for energy and building technology.

This qualification is highly valued in Germany, with vocational training graduates often securing well-paid positions and having excellent career prospects.

Personal Aspirations and National Development

Dillon Simmonds expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity.

"This opportunity brings a lot of insight and new things into my life. I plan to come back and also learn, well, not learn, but bring new things into the country that I can learn from out there. Personally, it makes me learn a lot of things, such as other things that they have over there, and also the culture and life that they have in Germany."

Rodison Jeffers acknowledged the challenges but emphasised the rewards.

"It's a great opportunity. This language, it might make you seem like it's going to be hard, but once you get past that and nothing in life is going to be easy, you have to fight for what you want, but as long as you fight for what you want and you’re passionate about it, you put all into it, you should be getting some great rewards."

Prime Minister Drew highlighted how this initiative aligns with the nation’s broader development goals.

"This really contributes to our sustainable island state agenda, because part of it, of course, is to make sure that we can advance in our education, create opportunities for our people, so that our people can live well and advance well. And to have two young men who are taking advantage of this opportunity, which really says a lot in terms of us achieving what we seek to achieve, with the development of our people and our young people.

And the areas that they are going to study, the vocational, technical areas, which are areas that are well-needed here in St. Vincent-Nevis, this too will add to our opportunity to advance our own areas here in those fields here in St. Kitts and Nevis."

Jeffers further underscored the timeless demand for technical skills.

"The technical field is a field that is always going to be needed; no matter where you go in the world, you're going to always need a technical field. The people out there, you cannot replace the technical field, so it's always a good thing to have, even as a backup plan, if you're not really into technical, technical is always going to be there, so you could always have something to fall back on."

Continued Partnership and Future Opportunities

The Prime Minister extended gratitude to Dr Emma Martin, the special envoy in Germany, for her instrumental role in realising this partnership. He encouraged more young people to seize similar opportunities for personal and national advancement.

"So let me really thank our special envoy in Germany, Dr Emma Martin, who is married to a Kittitian by descent, she has really done a tremendous work in making sure that this is realised. This is a programme that we intend to continue.

We want more young people to come forward, to step forward, to learn German and to go to Germany for this great opportunity. And so I want to say to our young people, choose opportunities like these which are being created for you, for your advancement, so that you can live personally a good life and that will translate into a better St. Kitts and Nevis."

The successful placement of Simmonds and Jeffers marks the first cohort in what is intended to be a sustainable, long-term partnership, expanding career pathways and cultural exchange for Kittitian and Nevisian youth.

• by Kevon Browne