Perceptions of the Future on St. Lucia’s Labour Market - Eight female and male C.A.R.E.-trainees’ perceptions of future career possibilities

Abstract: In the Caribbean, the structures of the countries’ labour markets and a lack of relevant skills or experience are some of the mentioned causes of unemployment among young adults. At the Centre for Adolescent and Renewal Education (C.A.R.E.) in St. Lucia, the trainees aim is, by learning a practical skill, not to become part of the country’s unemployment rate. The purpose with this study is to examine eight C.A.R.E.-trainees’ perceptions of their future and what capitals they find important for personal and career possibilities. The purpose is also to study if there are differences or similarities between the male and female trainees’ perception of the labour market in St. Lucia. The study is built on three questions; “What kind of career goals do the trainees have?”, “What capitals do the trainees view as important for future career possibilities?” and “What differences and similarities are there between the female and the male trainees’ perception of St. Lucia’s labour market?”. The study is built on a qualitative method, based on eight participants, four female and four men aged 18 to 21. The result shows that the majority have a career goal common to their gender and that they think it is important to have good personal characteristics and a skill for future career possibilities. Their similar perception of St. Lucia’s labour market is that it is rough, that it is hard to get a job. The male trainees had a more macro-levelled perspective since they talked about how important it is to have a social and symbolic capital in St. Lucia’s labour market, while the female trainees discussed the meaning of the job-interview. The trainees’ negative perception of St. Lucia has made them, especially the male trainees, want to move to another country.