VI State Apprenticeship Council
VIDOL Introduces the Members of VI State Apprenticeship Council (VISAC)

The VI State Apprenticeship Council(VISAC) is a regulatory board comprised of 9 members appointed by the Commissioner of Labor. Appointed by the Commissioner of Labor, the department welcomes the public to follow the reports of this body in the interest of the workforce development of the Territory.

The Virgi State Apprenticeship Council(VISAC) membership includes two (2) representatives from the Virgin Islands Department of Labor, one of whom must be the Department’s Legal counsel; two (2) representatives from the Virgin Islands Board of Career and Technical Education; two (2) representatives from the private sector who represent the interest of workers; two (2) representatives from the private sector who represent the interests of employers and one (1) 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:
• Assist in the development of procedures and policies for the promotion of apprenticeship in the Virgin Islands.
• Provide 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.