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10 Gibraltar International www.gibraltarinternational.commindset can sometimes limit the scope of what young people consider possible for themselves.Minister Feetham believes it%u2019s time to expand those horizons. %u201cWe want our young people to realise just how many doors are open to them,%u201d he said. %u201cGibraltar%u2019s economy is evolving, and we need to evolve with it. There is a huge demand for talent in sectors many students have never even considered.%u201dConnect Hub provides that platform. From workshops and career days to networking events and industry talks, the initiative brings students face-to-face with professionals in cutting-edge industries. It allows them to ask questions, hear real-life stories, and get a genuine feel for what it%u2019s like to work in sectors such as Marketing, Compliance, Software Development, Blockchain, eGaming, and more.Highlights of the initiativeSince its inception, Connect Hub has hosted seven events across various different sectors. These have included Insurance, Banking, FinTech, Online Gaming, and Compliance, and have brought together students from local secondary schools, the Gibraltar College, the University of Gibraltar and local students studying abroad.Some standout events have included:%u2022 Gibraltar Bankers Association %u2013 A hands-on workshop introducing students to careers and operations within the banking sector, guided by industry mentors.%u2022 Entain %u2013 An interactive session with one of the top international online gaming companies, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at one of Gibraltar%u2019s largest employment sectors and its diverse career paths.%u2022 Bitso & Bullish %u2013 Two engaging FinTech events where founders shared their career journeys and offered insights into Crypto Exchanges, Blockchain, and Gibraltar%u2019s role as a regulated hub for Virtual Asset Businesses. %u2022 Gibraltar Association of Compliance Officers %u2013 A practical workshop on the importance of compliance and risk management across Gibraltar%u2019s financial services industry, with insights into regulatory frameworks that underpin Gibraltar%u2019s reputation as a well-regulated jurisdiction.Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Parents, who are also encouraged to attend these events, have praised the initiative and students have called it %u201ceye-opening%u201d and %u201cinspiring,%u201d with many expressing a newfound interest in pursuing opportunities they hadn%u2019t previously considered.A community effortMinister Feetham is quick to point out that the success of Connect Hub is due in large part to collaboration with local businesses, educators, and government departments all working together to make it happen. Industry partners have welcomed the chance to connect with the next generation of professionals, and many have expressed their willingness to offer internships, mentorships, or even apprenticeships to promising students.%u201cThis is about more than just career guidance,%u201d said the Minister. %u201cIt%u2019s about community-building. It%u2019s about ensuring Gibraltar%u2019s young people feel empowered, included, and ready to contribute to the future of our economy.%u201dLooking aheadWith more events in the pipeline and plans to expand the initiative further, the Ministry is committed to ensuring Connect Hub remains a cornerstone of youth engagement and career development in Gibraltar. The goal is to embed this kind of exposure and guidance into the educational journey of every student, not as an add-on, but as a core part of how young people prepare for their futures.As the local and global job markets continue to evolve, initiatives like Connect Hub are more important than ever. They remind us that while traditional careers will always have their place, the world is changing, and Gibraltar%u2019s youth must be equipped to change Gibraltar Finance ReportContinued from p8www.gibraltarfinance.gi