Employment

The Turks and Caicos Islands government plans to launch its inaugural National Skills Conference and Competition in 2027 to elevate local vocational training. This initiative follows the territory's first official participation in the WorldSkills Conference, held in Shanghai, China, from September 23 to 25, 2026, to benchmark national standards against global requirements. The delegation included Director of Education Mark Garland, Education Officer Tamara Hylton, and Turks and Caicos Islands Community College officials. They engaged with global experts to assess how to expand Caribbean Vocational Qualifications and improve technical facilities. Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Rachel Taylor stated the trip marks a historic first for the country, noting, “We want our young people to have the skills, qualifications and confidence to compete.” Officials aim to align local training with international industry requirements to improve qualification portability. Hylton noted that the 2027 event will serve as a foundation for preparing students to participate in future international competitions. The ultimate goal is to facilitate student entry onto the global stage once the Turks and Caicos Islands gains formal WorldSkills membership, testing local talent against international benchmarks.

The proposed Immigration Bill 2026, dated September 22, 2026, introduces new staffing requirements for businesses in the Turks and Caicos Islands that rely on foreign labour. Under this legislation, companies employing at least 15 work-permit holders may be required to submit detailed plans outlining how they will prioritize hiring locals for available positions. Minister of Immigration and Border Services Jamell Robinson stated these reforms aim to enforce a "locals first" employment policy. Section 45 mandates that affected employers submit staffing reports within six months, including recruitment policies and growth projections. Robinson noted, “Turks and Caicos Islanders will have the first right to any industry.” However, the legislation contains a discrepancy, as the bill text specifies 15 work-permit holders while the explanatory notes reference 50. The Commissioner holds the authority to designate additional employers for these requirements, potentially capturing businesses below the threshold. To support these transitions, the government is developing a national skills database to match local qualifications with job opportunities. If enacted, the legislation will require companies to demonstrate a commitment to developing the local workforce, subject to government clarification on the threshold for these mandatory staffing plans.

The Department of Library Services has launched a Career Readiness Hub in Grand Turk to assist school leavers and job seekers with essential professional development. This five-week programme provides practical training in résumé writing, interview preparation, and workplace etiquette to help participants improve their career prospects. Expert human resources professionals facilitate these sessions, which take place every Saturday from September 19 to October 17, 2026, between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the Victoria Public Library Historical & Cultural Division on Front Street. Interested residents can seek further information or register by contacting the library via email at victoriapubliclibrary1@gmail.com or gdtlibrary@gmail.com.

Invest Turks and Caicos Islands (Invest TCI) hosted its 5th Annual General Meeting on September 15, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos. The agency reviewed its performance, highlighting a robust investment pipeline and a strategic shift toward ensuring economic growth benefits the local workforce through improved training and partnerships. Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Angela Musgrove reported an active investment pipeline of 53 projects valued at approximately $6.335 billion and a record 140 applications for the Micro Small and Medium Enterprise programme. Premier and Minister of Finance, Trade and Investment, Hon. Charles Washington Misick, emphasized that economic progress must be measured by the advancement of the local people rather than just capital. Additionally, the agency reported progress under the Heritage Turks and Caicos Islander Investment Policy, with two Development Agreements executed. A panel of industry leaders and government officials discussed aligning education with future-focused roles to ensure that the benefits of expansion are shared. Invest TCI will continue to track how investment translates into measurable economic outcomes, including employment and construction activity. The agency remains focused on converting its current pipeline into tangible results while strengthening collaboration between government, investors, and training institutions to prepare the workforce for the next decade of development.

Eleven track and field coaches in the Turks and Caicos Islands successfully completed the practical component of the World Athletics Level 1 Coaches Education and Certification System course. The assessment took place at the National Stadium on September 19, strengthening the territory's pool of certified athletic coaches. Organized by the Turks and Caicos Amateur Athletic Association (TCAAA), the exercise was led by instructor David Riley and facilitated by coach Randy Ford. The successful candidates were Roshano Cox, Acasia Downer, Alexander Ewing, Christopher Foster, Angelo Garland, Richardo Johnson, Dwight Myrie, Ronald Parker, Jody Pusey, Natanya Rodney, and Kenesha Thompson. This qualification is now mandatory for anyone operating a track club or traveling with a national team under a directive issued earlier in 2026. Riley assessed their technical knowledge, stating, “They know what they’re doing.” Seven of these coaches—Foster, Garland, Myrie, Parker, Pusey, Rodney, and Thompson—have been recommended to pursue Level 2 certification. The TCAAA will determine the frequency of future local courses, which aim to establish a consistent standard for athlete development across the islands. Coaches may continue through the system to attain higher qualifications, and the association is now finalizing documentation for World Athletics to confirm the results.

On September 28, 2026, Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam addressed the fifth annual general meeting of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands. She argued that the territory must prioritize developing its domestic workforce and business environment to ensure that an active investment pipeline of over US$5 billion delivers long-term economic prosperity. During her remarks at The Ritz-Carlton, the Governor emphasized that true economic success requires more than just capital. She called for a partnership between the government, investors, and educational institutions to build local talent and support enterprise. She noted that investors have a role to play through mentorship and skills transfer, describing workforce development as a competitive economic advantage for the territory. The Governor highlighted the Business Linkages Policy as a key mechanism for connecting major investors with local suppliers to create a more dynamic economy. She also stressed that future growth must be balanced with regulatory certainty and environmental stewardship to ensure sustainability. Ultimately, she aims for the territory to leverage incoming projects to strengthen domestic capability, ensuring that investment leaves a lasting legacy of resilience for future generations.