CareerMasters Strengthens Cayman’s Future Workforce Through Placement, Partnership, and Expansion

CareerMasters’ 2025/2026 programme marks a period of significant growth, measurable impact and widening reach.

Engaging students across five schools in the Cayman Islands, the initiative continues to close the gap between education and industry, equipping young people with the practical skills, confidence and access needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

Participation has remained strong, with notable representation from John Gray High School and Clifton Hunter High School. Students have demonstrated elevated confidence in university applications, internships and long-term career planning. Among the programme’s most valued elements are interview preparation, networking capabilities and résumé development. Meanwhile, demand for guidance on UK university pathways has grown considerably becoming a central pillar of programme delivery.

As Jonathan Green, Global Managing Partner at Maples Group, observes, “CareerMasters represents the kind of initiative that creates lasting impact – bringing together education, industry, and mentorship to prepare young people for meaningful careers. Maples Group is proud to support a programme that is elevating ambition, expanding access, and shaping the next generation of Caymanian professionals.”

Echoing this sentiment, Alaina Danley, Managing Director at Waystone and Deputy Chair of AIMA Cayman, adds that, “AIMA Cayman is proud to support CareerMasters and its continued impact on young people across the Cayman Islands. Programmes like this play a critical role in preparing students not just for employment, but for meaningful, long -term careers. By connecting education with real-world experience, CareerMasters is helping to build a more confident, capable, and future-ready generation.”

From Preparation to Opportunity: “Get Ready, Get Placed”

At CareerMasters’ core is a clear commitment to delivering meaningful real-world experience. In partnership with Baraud International, students undergo structured business training ensuring they the workplace prepared and capable from day one. This year, the enhanced training delivered by Abbie Souter strengthened students’ professional readiness and confidence.

CareerMasters successfully secured placements, internships and scholarships across key sectors including law, accounting, finance, healthcare and technology. Reflecting on her experience, student Summer McLaughlin shared, “Joining the CareerMasters programme turned out to be far more meaningful than I expected. I originally signed up hoping to gain real-world insights and connect with mentors, but the experience offered so much more. The programme has helped me understand my strengths, boosted my confidence, and made me feel prepared for my future. Notably, this was through the ‘Get Ready to Get Placed’ session, as it gave us honest and practical advice about the hiring process that you rarely hear elsewhere.”

Ms. Betty Baraud, Founder of Baraud International, explains from an employer perspective, the programme’s value is equally clear: “At Baraud, we see first-hand where Cayman’s talent pipeline begins. In partnering with CareerMasters, we give students the practical skills employers value – how to work to their strengths, how to carry themselves in interviews, how to step into a professional environment with ease. It is one of the most meaningful investments we can make as a business.”

Expanding Globally: CareerMasters UK

Beyond local impact, CareerMasters continues to expand its international footprint. The programme has established formal relationships with leading Russell Group institutions, including the University of Warwick and Royal Holloway, creating a dedicated UK support network for Caymanian students pursuing higher education.

Facilitated by university representatives, these engagements provide an open and student-focused platform for guidance, ensuring that prospective applicants are well informed and supported throughout their decision-making process.

Christina Bodden, CareerMasters Founder, reflects on the organisation’s vision, stating, “CareerMasters was built on a simple belief: that when young people are given the right tools, the right exposure and the right environments, they don’t just prepare for the future, they step confidently into it.”

A Growing Community: CareerMasters Generation Cayman

Building on its success, CareerMasters launched Generation Cayman, a professional network for alumni and early-career individuals. Through quarterly events and tailored programming, the initiative extends support beyond the classroom, cultivating a connected community.

The impact of this network is already being felt. As Alan Cubas of PwC Cayman Islands notes,

“Being part of a community alongside other driven young professionals can be truly transformative as we each work toward success in our careers. CareerMasters Generation Cayman creates a space to connect, learn, and grow together - equipping us with the confidence, perspective, and experiences needed to navigate future challenges and opportunities with purpose.”

Looking Ahead: FutureFlex 2026

Attention now turns to CareerMasters FutureFlex 2026, the organisation’s flagship pre-career conference, with the theme, keynote speaker and programme agenda to be announced in the coming weeks

Underscoring the programme’s national importance, the Honourable Rolston Anglin, Minister for Finance and Economic Development and Education and Training, shares, “Initiatives like CareerMasters play an important role in strengthening the connection between education and the workforce in the Cayman Islands. By equipping students with practical skills and clear pathways, programmes like this support our broader national focus on preparing Caymanians to success in a competitive and evolving global economy. The continued collaboration between education, industry, and committed partners is essential to building a resilient and future-ready workforce.”