Regional practitioners gathered recently to engage in comprehensive discussions aimed at enhancing workers’ competencies and abilities on the job.
The Skills to Access the Green Economy – SAGE Apprenticeship Summit, in partnership with Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), hosted a two-day regional gathering in Saint Lucia from December 4 to 5, focusing on strengthening apprenticeship systems across the Caribbean region and preparing a skilled workforce for the green economy.
The summit took place at the Bay Gardens Hotel in Rodney Bay and involved collaboration between local Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) bodies, the SAGE program, and Canadian colleges and institutes, with funding from the Government of Canada.
The project’s main goal is to advance the SAGE mission of building sustainable, industry-driven training systems by reviewing apprenticeship best practices and exploring new models, particularly in climate-resilient careers and the green economy.
Marlon Johnson from Jamaica asserted during the opening session of the summit, “We must ensure that there is constant social dialogue between industry and training.” He emphasized the significant role of Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) in Jamaica, which have successfully engaged the manufacturing sector and are now transitioning into construction and logistics sectors to inform training development programs based on industry standards.
Saint Lucia’s TVET Executive Director, Perry Thomas, stated unequivocally that the council’s role is to serve as the registrar and administrator of the apprenticeship programs. He outlined key elements of the apprenticeship program as training, certification, and remuneration.
“Saint Lucia has a rich history of apprenticeship that dates back to colonial times,” Thomas affirmed. “However, there has been a lack of continuity. We are committed to revising the apprenticeship system to ensure our people acquire the essential skills and knowledge necessary for the workforce and to enhance productivity in business.”
He made it clear: “Our objective is to place apprenticeship at the forefront of workforce development, enabling individuals to gain the necessary certifications and skills for job requirements.”
Key discussions also centered around the Trade Union Movement’s critical involvement in the continuous training and upskilling of its members. The emphasis on social dialogue highlighted the need for robust relationships between commercial enterprises and training institutions.
A strategic proposal was introduced for a comprehensive Apprenticeship Framework for the Caribbean, which includes certification, deeper interaction between the private sector and government, and the implementation of regulations for a legislative framework.
Stakeholders from across the Caribbean and Canada, including educators, policymakers, industry leaders, and representatives from national training agencies in countries such as Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia, participated actively in the summit.
– ILO Apprenticeship Framework: The summit showcased presentations on global standards for robust apprenticeship systems, including the International Labour Organization (ILO) framework.
– SAGE Pilot Programs: Progress on the SAGE Apprenticeship Pilot Programs across the region was highlighted.
– Canadian Insights: Partners from Canadian institutions, such as Red River College Polytechnic and experts in apprenticeships and trade unions from Alberta, shared invaluable insights into training, upskilling, and union collaboration.
– Inclusivity: Discussions emphasized the need for inclusive pathways into trades, particularly for women, youth, and adults entering the sector.
– Regional Harmonization: A primary objective was to establish a unified path for apprenticeships across CARICOM, working toward a harmonized regional apprenticeship system through the Caribbean Association of National Training Authorities (CANTA).
R.A.