Hundreds Attend Opening Day of Governor’s Workforce Development Summit on St. Croix

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Oct. 20, 2026 

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Hundreds of people attended the opening day of Governor Albert  Bryan Jr.’s 2026 Workforce Development Summit Tuesday at Caribbean Cinemas on St.  Croix, beginning a series of events focused on preparing Virgin Islanders for changing job  demands and connecting education and training with employers’ needs. 

Under the theme “Upskilling and Educating for Today’s Challenges,” the summit brings  together employers, educators, workforce professionals, policymakers and community  partners to explore how residents can gain the skills needed to enter the workforce, advance  in their careers and adapt as industries change. 

“Building a stronger Virgin Islands starts with investing in our people,” Governor Bryan said.  “A young person choosing a career or an experienced worker learning a new skill needs a  clear path from training to a job that can support a family. Our responsibility is to help make  that path accessible, so more Virgin Islanders can build their futures right here at home.” 

Organized by the Virgin Islands Workforce Development Board, the summit focuses on  strengthening cooperation among businesses, educators and training providers. Its program  emphasizes employer engagement, skills development and partnerships that support career  advancement and economic growth. 

For employers, those discussions offer an opportunity to explain their current and future  staffing needs. For educators and training providers, they help inform how programs can  prepare residents for available jobs and emerging careers. For residents, the goal is a clearer  understanding of the opportunities available and the preparation needed to pursue them. 

The summit also includes dedicated youth sessions on St. Croix and St. Thomas, giving  young people a place in the conversation about the Territory’s workforce and their own  futures.

The series continues Thursday, Oct. 22, at Caribbean Cinemas on St. Thomas from 8 a.m. to  3 p.m. The St. John summit will take place Friday, Oct. 23, at the Legislature of the Virgin  Islands St. John Annex from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Residents, employers and community partners can find registration links and additional  information at workforce.vidol.gov. 

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