The rebranding of St. Maarten Academy Preparatory Secondary Vocational Education (PSVE) as St. Maarten Academy Vocational Business Campus (VBC) was called the start of a “new era” in Monday’s newspaper. It also marked 25 years of “education excellence and dedication to vocational studies.”
According to the report, under the PSVE – or “VSBO” in Dutch – system the school has long empowered students to excel academically, while acquiring practical skills to help them thrive as future professionals. That sounds pretty good, so why change, some might ask?
The current name was said to symbolise the institution’s dedication to growth, ambition and the fostering of dreams. There is certainly noting wrong with those goals.
The underlying vision involves a dynamic pathway to success in the business world and beyond, including at a personal level. It is also recognition for the increasing significance of professional – apart from more traditional academic – education.
As an island with a tourism economy and strong related construction sector, much of the available employment is service-oriented or of a hands-one nature, requiring job-skills in addition to general, mainly theoretical knowledge. Vocational training plays a major part in preparing locals to occupy these positions instead of having to import guest workers as is now still often the case.
The FAVE school board and St. Maarten Academy deserve continued support in fulfilling that important role. This is not just about the name, but a rejuvenated mindset.
