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The V.I. Department of Labor has announced the establishment of the VI State Apprenticeship Council(VISAC), a regulatory board comprised of 9 members appointed by the commissioner of Labor.
According to a D.O.L. release, VISAC membership includes two representatives from the Virgin Islands Department of Labor, one of whom must be the department’s Legal counsel; two representatives from the Virgin Islands Board of Career and Technical Education; two representatives from the private sector who represent the interest of workers; two representatives from the private sector who represent the interests of employers; and one representative who is familiar with apprenticeable occupations.
The current VISAC members are as follows:
Virgin Islands Department of Labor Representatives, one of whom must be the Department’s legal counsel:
- Ms. Shenika Sebastien, Director of Youth and Apprenticeship
- Atty. Nesha Christian-Hendrickson, Assistant Commissioner/Legal Counsel
Virgin Islands Board of Career and Technical Education Representatives:
- Dr. Michael Francois - Board Member - STX
- Mr. Ronnie Jones - Board Member - STJ
Private Sector – Interests of Workers Representatives:
- Mr. Eugene Irish - President of the Seafarers Union
- Ms. Shirley Sadler - Office of the Inspector General/Advocate of Second Chance Programs
Private Sector – Interests of Employers Representatives:
- Mr. Richard Doumeng – Owner of Bolongo Bay
- Ms. Carla Scott - HR Director of AECOM
Familiar with Apprenticeable Occupations Representative:
- Dr. Suzanne Darrow-Magras - Director UVICELL and Chairperson
What are the functions of the VISAC?
The VI Apprenticeship Council performs the following functions:
- Assists in the development of procedures and policies for the promotion of apprenticeship in the Virgin Islands.
- Provides advice and guidance to the Department of Labor in the establishment of standards of apprenticeship in trades and apprenticeable occupations suitable to the economy and conditions in the Islands.
- Approves apprenticeship standards that meet minimum basic standards of regulations.
- Assists in educating the community to apprenticeship.
- Ensures compliance of Affirmative Action Plans associated with apprenticeship standards.
- Acts as second level of appeal for complaints of apprentices.
Future meeting dates for the V.I. State Apprenticeship Council are as following:
- February 16, 2-3:30PM
- May 18, 2-3:30PM
- August 17, 2-3:30PM
- November 16, 2-3:30PM
Find out more about the V.I. State Apprenticeship Council by visiting the department online at www.vidol.gov.
