THE Saint Lucia Coalition of Service Industries (SLCSI), in collaboration with the TVET Council of the Ministry of Education, is implementing a Prior Learning Assessments (PLAR), and training programme to bring massage therapists to Level 3 certification under the Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQ) framework.
During the next three months, 25 practicing massage therapists will be assessed against the various areas of competence in massage therapy and will undergo the required training in order to be deemed competent for CVQ Level 3 certification.
The SLCSI continues to further develop the health and wellness sector, as this programme aims to increase the competitiveness of local spa operators and increase their ability to export their services.
As part of the certification process, a special meeting was held yesterday at the Bay Gardens Hotel. It brought together all stakeholders for orientation on the assessment process, relevant forms approved by the Saint Lucia Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (SLCTVET) for use for the certification process, and the assessments schedule.
Through the CVQ Certification Scheme and under the CSME, the 25 massage therapists will now have the opportunity to move freely within the region and exploit opportunities in the Health and Wellness Sector.
The programme presents an additional benefit to successful participants, to become “licensed” massage therapists by the Allied Health Council (the legal body for licensing of massage therapists in Saint Lucia) to improve the standards of spa operators and services in the country to encourage growth in the sector.
This is the very first PLAR Programme in Saint Lucia for practicing massage therapists. The project has been made possible through funding by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) under the Caribbean Aid for Trade Regional Integration Trust Fund (CARTFUND) to provide business development support services to the health and wellness Industry.