For more than five decades, the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce has played a steady, practical role in shaping the local workforce.
Long before ‘future-ready skills’ became a buzz phrase, the chamber was working with schools, employers, and professionals to help people build careers that last.
Today, that commitment sits at the heart of one of the chamber’s core advocacy pillars: building a future-ready workforce.
This happens in three clear ways.
First, by connecting young people with businesses that can offer apprenticeships, scholarships, and work experience. Second, by running programmes that help students develop life-skills and make informed decisions about their futures. And third, by delivering training that raises standards, confidence, and capability across the workplace.
Together, these efforts reach thousands of people across every primary industry in Cayman.
PROGRAMMES THAT OPEN DOORS
In Cayman, opportunity often starts with exposure. Seeing how a business works, meeting professionals, and understanding the range of careers available can be the difference between drifting and deciding. The chamber’s flagship youth and professional programmes are designed with that reality in mind.
The Careers and Training Expo, held annually, is the most visible link between students and employers. The 2026 event takes place in March at the Sir Vassell Johnson Hall at University College of the Cayman Islands.
Businesses from across the economy meet with students, face-to-face, to provide information on career paths, training options, and entry-level opportunities. For many young people, it is their first direct conversation with an employer.
The Junior Achievement Companies Programme takes things a step further. High school students form real mini-companies to develop products, manage finances, and work with volunteer advisors from the business community.
They learn quickly what teamwork, communication, and accountability look like in practice. The programme culminates in an awards event that celebrates not just winning ideas, but growth, effort and collaboration.
Mentoring Cayman, established in 2002, focuses on guidance rather than grades. Year 11 students are paired with professionals for a six-month structured mentoring programme.
Through regular conversations, workplace exposure, and goal setting, students gain clarity about life after school. Confidence is often the most significant takeaway. The chamber continues to recruit both mentors and mentees for upcoming cycles.
Launched in 2022, VoTECH Stars tackles a different challenge: perception. The programme highlights Caymanians thriving in technical and vocational careers, including HVAC and electrical work, culinary arts, diving, and heavy equipment operation.
Through media features and recognition events, VoTECH Stars shows students and parents that skilled trades offer respected, well-paid, and meaningful careers. Employers are invited to nominate standout individuals each year.
For professionals already in the workforce, Leadership Cayman offers an immersive six-
month experience.
Established in 2009, the programme brings together emerging and established leaders aged 25 and older for biweekly seminars, site visits, and a group project. Participants gain a deeper understanding of Cayman’s key sectors, public policy issues, and community challenges, while building networks that often last well beyond the programme.
TRAINING THAT EQUIPS PEOPLE TO EXCEL
Alongside these programmes is the chamber’s training centre, established in 1995 and rooted in a training tradition dating back to the 1970s.
Throughout the years, it has evolved to meet changing workplace needs, offering everything from customer service and time management to legal assistant workshops, lunch-and-learn sessions, and professional development for managers, supervisors, and entry-level staff.
Today’s training portfolio blends international best practice with local relevance.
The John Maxwell Leadership workshops, facilitated by Tara L. Bush, focus on values-based leadership and communication. Sessions range from half-day teamwork courses to deeper dives into trust, creativity, and productivity. DISC-based communication and practical leadership tools help participants apply what they learn, immediately.
The Ken Blanchard Leadership Series brings globally recognised models to Cayman. SLII, the world’s most widely taught situational leadership framework, helps managers adjust their leadership style to develop and retain staff.
Complementary courses such as Blanchard Management Essentials and Self Leadership strengthen everyday conversations around goals, feedback, and accountability.
For supervisors and team leaders, Essentials of Leadership, facilitated by Lorna Murphy, offers practical, people-focused training. Modules cover self-awareness, emotional intelligence, workplace culture, and team development. The emphasis is on skills leaders use every day, not theory that stays in a binder.
The popular Better Business 1, 2, 3 series, led by Brian Wilson, focuses on core workplace habits. From clear business writing and customer relations to time management and professional presence, these bite-sized sessions deliver quick wins that improve service and efficiency across organisations.
RECOGNISING ACHIEVEMENT
Workforce development does not end at training. Each year, the chamber recognises student achievement across public and private schools, as well as outstanding graduates from Truman Bodden Law School. These awards highlight excellence across subjects, from STEM and business to the humanities, reinforcing the value of effort and achievement, island-wide.
From classrooms to boardrooms, the chamber’s approach is consistent: provide access, build skills, and recognise progress.
For more information on the chamber’s training programmes, visit caymanchamber.ky.
This article originally appeared in Compass Media’s 2026 Careers Guide.
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