The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information in collaboration with the HEART/NSTA Trust, is observing National Career Awareness Week (NCAW) 2026 from February 22 to 27 under the theme ‘Fueling Growth: Creating Opportunities through Career Development’.
The observance is designed to inspire, inform and empower students at all levels of the education system to explore career possibilities and develop essential life and workforce skills.
Assistant Chief Education Officer, Guidance and Counselling Unit in the Ministry, Kennecy Davidson, told JIS News that throughout the week, students, educators, parents, industry partners and stakeholders will be engaged in activities that strengthen career guidance, promote informed decision-making, and encourage lifelong learning.
“The week reinforces the message that every skill matters, every talent has value, and every student can play an active role in shaping his or her future and Jamaica’s development,” she pointed out.
Recognising the importance of digital literacy in today’s workforce, Mrs. Davidson said that NCAW 2026 will also highlight the need for Jamaicans to be proficient in using digital tools, navigating the Internet, and leveraging social media platforms for marketing and communication, while strengthening their mental health capacities.
“Employers are increasingly seeking applicants with digital proficiency for tasks such as data analysis, project management and communication. The initiative underscores the importance of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) in building a globally competitive workforce,” she pointed out.
All schools across Jamaica, including the HEART/NSTA Trust institutions, are being encouraged to mount creative exhibits showcasing careers in STEAM.
Parents, community members and stakeholders will be invited to participate in exhibits, which will highlight the practical skills and talents that connect education to meaningful careers and national development.
Mrs. Davidson informed that a major highlight of this year’s observance is the NCAW 2026 Photo Challenge, which expands beyond the traditional annual poster competition.
The challenge invites primary and secondary students to visually capture the theme: ‘Skills in Action – Restoring Hope; Rebuilding with a Purpose’ through photography.
Students will showcase how practical skills support recovery and resilience in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, capturing real-life examples of technical, vocational, creative and life skills in action.
Focus areas for the challenge include construction, health and psychosocial support, agriculture, emergency response, education, entrepreneurship, creative industries and community leadership.
National Career Awareness Week 2026 will include activities such as career fairs, HEART/NSTA Trust institutional tours, career guidance sessions, career expositions, and career conferences and awareness workshops.
Key partners such as Junior Achievement Jamaica (JAJ), CHOICES, Jamaica Library Service (JLS) and Transforming Education for National Development (TREND) will execute a series of events aimed at connecting primary and high-school students, tertiary students, community youth and other stakeholders with the world of work, entrepreneurship and higher education.
The JA Biz Town Open Day, and Artificial (AI) Webinars for Educators are also scheduled for the week.
By fostering awareness of diverse career paths and strengthening connections between education and the world of work, the Ministry of Education continues to fuel growth and create opportunities for Jamaica’s national development.
