Preparing the next generation with essential skills.
NextGen Skills Foundation equips young people, including those facing real barriers to opportunity, with practical vocational training, CVQ certification and personal development that opens real pathways forward.
“Preparing the Next Generation with Essential Skills”
What we do
Practical vocational skills
Equipping students with real, hands-on trade skills.
CVQ certification
Enhancing employability through recognized qualifications.
Career & personal growth
Promoting career awareness and personal development.
Industry partnerships
Fostering industry and community partnerships.
Social inclusion
Supporting inclusion and self-reliance for every participant.
Skills open doors that circumstance can close.
NextGen Skills Foundation is a Saint Lucia nonprofit that designs and facilitates skills-development projects for young people, with a focus on practical training, recognized certification, and the personal development that helps someone actually use it.
- Equip students with practical vocational skills
- Enhance employability through CVQ certification
- Promote career awareness and personal development
- Foster industry and community partnerships
- Support social inclusion and self-reliance
Delivered with Shan-Phill Training
NextGen Skills Foundation designs and facilitates our skills-development projects, which are delivered by accredited training provider Shan-Phill Training. Same founder, two distinct organizations working toward the same goal.
Visit Shan-Phill Training →Two initiatives. Real, verified outcomes.
Both projects below have run their full course and been assessed by the Saint Lucia Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (SLCTVET). Here is what was actually achieved.
The Circuit & Chill Rehabilitation Skills Project
Implemented in partnership with the Sandals Foundation and delivered by accredited training provider Shan-Phill Training, the programme trained 30 young men, aged 15 to 35, from the Bordelais Correctional Facility and the Boys Training Centre in Electrical Installation and Refrigeration & Air Conditioning. Training blended classroom instruction, hands-on workshops and simulated on-the-job experience, aligned with CARICOM-approved standards and certified through the SLCTVET.
Of the 30 who completed training, 29 were assessed by the SLCTVET: 21 earned the full CVQ Level 1 certification and 8 achieved competency in most required units.
Beyond the technical outcome, weekly sessions in life skills, inner healing, motivational coaching and financial literacy strengthened participants' employability, confidence, discipline and teamwork — supporting their rehabilitation and readiness for employment or further training.
“We're not just building skills, we're developing the whole person. The young men are beginning to approach life in a more professional way, and the life-skills component is not only making them better workers, but better individuals.”
Shanel Phillip — President, NextGen Skills FoundationSummer Skills Workshop for Vulnerable Form Four Students
Delivered for Form Four students across the Gros-Islet to Marigot region, this programme combined technical training with psychosocial support to empower marginalized youth with vocational skills, certification and future employability while addressing persistent shortages in vocational training access.
All 12 students first completed 9 of the 20 required CVQ units and received Certificates of Completion from Shan-Phill Training in July 2025. A grant from the Ministry of Economic Development, alongside free training from Shan-Phill Training, then enabled 8 of those 12 students to complete the remaining 11 units and undergo SLCTVET assessment. Six of those 8 went on to earn the full CVQ Level 1 in Electrical Installation, while two received unit certifications (April 2026).
* Phase 1 cost EC$22,500, with each of the 12 students receiving an all-inclusive training package. Phase 2 added EC$10,000, covering materials only, with Shan-Phill Training providing four months of instruction at no cost to the programme.
Skills built with tools in hand.
Photographs from the Circuit & Chill Rehabilitation Skills Project, where trainees complete real electrical and refrigeration installation work as part of their CVQ portfolio.
Real outcomes, in numbers.
What families are telling us.
Feedback from parents and guardians of students who took part in our Summer Skills Workshop in Electrical Installation.
“I cannot speak highly enough of the electrical training program my son recently completed… What stood out most was the professionalism, patience, and genuine passion Mr. Phillip brought to every session. My son came home daily filled with excitement about what he had learned. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to any parent looking to invest in their child's technical and vocational future.”
“My son enjoyed the workshop! This was a new experience for him and he's so happy.”
“Good day Miss, I would like to thank you for giving my son this opportunity, a new learning environment. Thanks to you and your team. God's Blessings.”
“My son can't stop talking about this workshop, he gathered a lot. I want to say a big thank you. God Bless!”
“My son enjoyed the workshop as it greatly impacted his life. I greatly appreciate what you did for my son.”
“I spoke to my son about the workshop. Although he didn't make it for all of the days due to illness, he said he enjoyed it and was happy to receive a certificate. I look forward to future workshops.”
Made possible by our partners.
Sandals Foundation
Committed EC$135,000 to fund the Circuit & Chill Rehabilitation Skills Project, supporting CVQ-certified training for 30 young men — 21 of whom went on to earn the full CVQ Level 1 certification.
Thank you to the sponsors of our Summer Skills Workshop for vulnerable Form 4 students, Districts 1–4:
Recognized, referenced, trusted.
NextGen Skills Foundation is a Department-recognized NGO, and our sole training delivery partner, Shan-Phill Training, is independently endorsed by the organizations below.
Recognized by the Government of Saint Lucia
NextGen Skills Foundation is formally recognized by the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Gender, Older Persons, Labour, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs as a legitimate organization operating in compliance with the Non-Governmental Organizations Act.
View recognition letter ↗“Facilitated by Shan-Phil Training Institute, a professional and success driven organization… we can, therefore, comfortably recommend their business as an excellent provider of the aforementioned services.”
“She consistently delivered high-quality sessions, ensuring that participants gained valuable knowledge and skills… I highly recommend Shan Phill training.”
“Her depth of knowledge on the subject matter, coupled with her dynamic presentation style, captivated our audience, and left a lasting impression on all our participants.”
“I have personally witnessed the impact of Shan-Phill Training programs on employees in my organization… their professionalism, integrity, and passion for empowering others through education are truly commendable.”
“She was able to turn the jargon into relatable scenarios specific to our line of work, which effectively engaged our staff, encouraged active participation and fostered enthusiasm for the subject matter.”
“Shaniel is a very committed and passionate trainer, who is always willing to go way beyond the call of duty… I recommend Shaniel very highly, for any work which involves outreach and training of MSMEs.”
Let's build something together.
Whether you're a parent, a school, a potential partner or a future trainee, tell us a bit about yourself and we'll follow up by email.
Prefer email? Write to us directly at [email protected]