Future Job Skills of Tomorrow held their second ceremony of completion Friday, celebrating three young adults who took advantage of an opportunity to develop a craft in shipbuilding.
“The event was excellent,” said Rueben Fenton, founder and director of the nonprofit. Over the summer, the organization completed its first program in golf course maintenance.
The graduation was held at the Palms at Pelican Cove. Program supporters like Sens. Novelle Francis, Hubert Frederick, Angel Bolques, and a representative from Delegate Stacey Plaskett’s office attended. More supporters, Chris Hanley and Kenny Tucker from the St. Croix Marine Center, Karl Petersen of Sea Sprout Design, LLC, and Tim Murphy from the American Boat and Yacht Council were present as well.
This was the first time the organization conducted its boatbuilding/maintenance program. It consisted of a lecture and hands-on portion.
“So we did a classroom first and then we rolled over to the Marine Center,” said Fenton. They basically worked in and with the professionals at the boat yard. They were able to assist with some of the engines, they did sanding on some of the boats, they did patching, they did spraying. Basically it was a comprehensive on the job training.”
Though nine students began the program, only three were able to remain steadfast and complete their training. The students, Zion Chevubin, Eduardo Fajardo, and Jayvyn Brooks, ranged between 19 and 21 years of age. They completed four months of classroom and four months of on-the-job training and received certificates from Future Job Skills of Tomorrow, the St. Croix Marine Center, Sea Sprout Design, OSHA, and for CPR and fire safety.
“Our federal partners are happy with that because it was a pilot program,” said Fenton, of the students.
When asked if any of the students were looking forward to pursuing a career in boat maintenance after completing the program, Fenton replied that two showed interest.
“Two of them showed interest in pursuing and trying to get employment in that area, possibly with marinas around the island. We’re waiting to see what decision they’re going to make,” Fenton said.
Future Job Skills of Tomorrow partnered with the St. Croix Marine Center and Sea Sprout Design, LLC for the program. The program is centered on creating a career path for 18-24-year-olds in the marine industry. Fenton said that there are future plans to bring the program to St. Thomas and St. John.
“That’s in the works. We’re basically trying to get it solidly built on St. Croix and then we will look to go on St. Thomas,” he said. “The big elephant in the room is the funding to put this program on.”
Fenton said the program cost about $400,000. Ideally, it would cost $1 to $8 million to operate programs in both districts.
“The next goal is to have a training facility on St. Croix,” said Fenton. He is planning to create a marine trade school.
Another marine class will be scheduled for next year and Fenton said programs around solar energy and construction are anticipated.
“We are an entity looking at bringing young adults into demand area skills to get some training, basically to get good wages,” he added. “Future Job Skills is grounded in the belief that mastery is achieved both in the classroom and on the job.”
Fenton thanked everyone for their support, and program partners, the U.S. Department of the Interior and VI Liberty.
For more information on the program, email reubenfenton20@gmail.com or call 340-201-3292.
