EDUCATION Minister Shawn Edward asserted that the primary objective of the Technical, Vocational, and Education Training (TVET) facilities is to equip individuals for the workforce, especially as interest in this area continues to grow.
He highlights that obtaining TVET qualifications opens avenues for prospective employees, enabling them to secure gainful employment and pursue their chosen career paths.
Describing the TVET component as “arguably the flagship programme in education,” he emphasizes the establishment of four TVET institutions last year housed in the former Grand Riviere Secondary School, Jon Odlum Memorial Secondary School, Piaye Secondary School, and Anse Ger Secondary School.
“These facilities have been transformed into fully operational institutions where students acquire essential skills, preparing them thoroughly for the workforce upon graduation,” Edward stated during a recent media briefing.
He affirmed that the authorities are diligently working to expand the curriculum and are pleased with the outcomes thus far, noting, “Our initial efforts are yielding positive results, and we observe a steady increase in enrollment at these institutions.”
The Minister clarified that there are two pathways for students to join the TVET institutions. The first is after completing the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) and advancing through secondary school in Form 1. The second pathway allows students attending regular secondary schools, upon teacher and parental consultation, to transition to Form III in a TVET institution.
Edward commended the government and the Ministry of Education for providing the necessary resources that enable these institutions to flourish. He explained that the TVET programme was developed based on labour and market surveys conducted to identify skills shortages within the workforce.
The programme is specifically designed to address these gaps and deficiencies in the job market. “Our programmes are not dictated by trends but are strategically designed to tackle existing job skill shortages in the country,” he asserted.
Key sectors such as construction, building technicians, and mechanical and civil engineering require skilled labourers, an area where the country currently faces a shortfall. Edward made it clear that there are baseline levels available for individuals to pursue these vital skills.
Moreover, he stated that possessing TVET qualifications entitles individuals to the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ), which reflects a recognized level of competency in their respective fields.
“The CVQ also exempts TVET graduates from needing a work permit when seeking employment in any Caribbean member-state,” he noted.
While the TVET programme is still in its early stages, Edward reiterated, “We are determined to expand our offerings and explore new areas such as maritime skills, boat building, and sea moss production.” He stressed that the goal is to ensure that students can secure gainful employment and reduce reliance on public employment services.
“Graduates of TVET institutions have the opportunity to become self-employed and can collaborate with the Youth Economy Agency (YEA), creating jobs for their peers,” Edward stated. “This is our vision for the future.”
He concluded with a strong assertion: “A small island developing state like Saint Lucia cannot thrive solely on government efforts. The role of the private sector is essential for driving economic growth and improving our fortunes as a small island developing state.”