The Barbados Community College is actively working to bridge the gap between school and work.

Evidence of this, according to Senior Tutor in the Division of Commerce, Claire Millington, is in the College’s recent hosting of the annual Accounting Forum attended by a large gathering of staff and students from BCC and beyond.

The ceremony began at 10:00 AM on November 5th, in celebration of Accountants’ Week and in collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Barbados (ICAB).

The event featured several speeches from BCC staff and experienced accountants who addressed the many students in attendance and gave the aspiring accountants an opportunity to personally interact with the speakers.

Ms Millington told the gathering it is important that the BCC hosts such events, noting, however, that the College’s goals went beyond the workforce. She explained that the College endeavoured to instil within students skills for better financial management.

“We wish to promote a culture of saving and wise spending, where income is wisely stewarded and unnecessary debt is avoided, she said.”

This event follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ICAB and the BCC to assist in curriculum development, staff training, and coaching and mentorship for students.

Speaking on the success of the event, Chief Executive Officer of ICAB, Lisa Padmore, expressed her satisfaction with the day’s turnout. It marked their second collaboration with the BCC, and she believed they had only improved upon the previous year’s accomplishments.

She explained that ICAB was committed to ensuring students received current information, as the industry is ever evolving.

“We want to continue to bring relevant information, leveraging AI and digital experiences.”

The Accounting Forum once again reinforced the BCC’s role in nurturing future financial professionals and fostering a strong relationship between education and industry.