The National Skills Development Centre (NSDC) is commemorating its 25th anniversary by reflecting on its transformative journey in upskilling Saint Lucians while setting the stage for an ambitious future. During a press briefing on October 28 at its Bisee headquarters, General Manager Dr. Selma St Prix unveiled plans to evolve NSDC into a collegiate institution, bridging secondary and tertiary education, particularly in technical and vocational fields. ‘We want to collegiate the NSDC,’ she stated, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to at-risk youth under its corporate social responsibility framework. The new structure will align with both technical and academic frameworks, enabling seamless progression for students from technical institutes to NSDC and onward to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. NSDC, established at the turn of the century and officially launched in February 2021, has gained recognition locally and internationally despite financial challenges. The institution is actively fundraising to enhance its facilities and expand its programs. Recent initiatives include the launch of the Choiseul arts and crafts center and collaborations with international partners like Sandals University. NSDC offers a diverse range of courses, from culinary arts to information technology, and aims to attract more male students by introducing cutting-edge programs in mobile app development, virtual reality, gaming, and artificial intelligence. To mark its silver jubilee, NSDC hosted a church service, a games night, and will hold a fundraising show on November 8, auctioning off the skills of professional men to corporate sponsors. Proceeds will improve the accessibility of NSDC’s building. Over the past 25 years, NSDC has trained thousands in hospitality, tourism, construction, agriculture, and more, earning praise from employers for its transversal and life skills training. Dr. St Prix recently participated in a World Bank panel on improving young men’s educational outcomes, underscoring NSDC’s commitment to innovation and excellence.