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 →The Circuit & Chill Rehabilitation Skills Project
A seven-month CVQ Level 1 training programme in Electrical Installation and Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, delivered in partnership with the Sandals Foundation and Shan-Phill Training.
Equipping incarcerated youth with industry-recognized skills and a pathway to reintegration.
Implemented in partnership with NextGen Skills Foundation and delivered by accredited training provider Shan-Phill Training, the programme supports 30 young men, aged 15 to 35, from the Bordelais Correctional Facility and the Boys Training Centre. Training blends classroom instruction, hands-on workshops and simulated on-the-job experience — aligned with CARICOM-approved standards and certified through the Saint Lucia Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (SLCTVET).
Beyond technical training, the programme includes a strong psychosocial component — weekly sessions in life skills, inner healing, motivational coaching and financial literacy — helping participants reframe their goals as they build a trade.
“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 FoundationSkills 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.
Progress, 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.
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 ↗“Our experience was positive. They demonstrated professionalism in the delivery of the programme… our students successfully completed their CVQ programme and benefited from the knowledge and practical skills gained.”
“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 nextgenskillsfoundation@gmail.com