Chairman of the TVET Council, Dr. Albert Best, speaking during the Council’s Christmas Luncheon and Awards Ceremony at the Accra Beach Hotel & Spa, recently. (Photo: TVET Council)

The National TVET Policy 2020 has been drafted, and is expected to bridge the gap between general education and technical and vocational education and training (TVET). 

Chairman of the TVET Council, Dr. Albert Best, disclosed this during the organization’s Christmas Luncheon and Awards Ceremony, which was held at the Accra Beach Hotel & Spa, Rockley, Christ Church, recently.

He said the draft policy was awaiting review so it could be submitted to the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training for approval and implementation.

“The National TVET Policy 2020 is expected to cement the close relationship going forward between general education and TVET, so that every student and individual in the workforce is prepared for life as well as their careers or occupations of choice.

The business of TVET is comprehensive and constantly evolving….  TVET is evolving at a rapid pace and now has a noticeable impact worldwide,” Dr. Best stated.

He said the policy was drafted under the guidance of Senior Specialist with the Caribbean Office of the International Labour Organization, Dr. Hassan Ndahi.

The five aims and objectives of the policy are to create an enabling environment for the development of a competent, certified and competitive workforce in Barbados; promote a demand driven TVET system; promote quality access and relevance within the national TVET system; guide the allocation of resources for the effective and efficient delivery of TVET, and incorporate sustainable development practices within the TVET system.

Dr. Best also praised the TVET Council and its parent Ministry for the “formidable strides” they have made together, pointing to the inaugural WorldSkills Barbados Juniors Competition in November 2019 and the introduction of a Sustainable Development programme in Technical and Vocational Education and Training in June 2018.

“Collaboratively, we are also exploring the implementation of occupational degrees from the Associate to the Doctor of Applied Science as well as government scholarships for young TVET students.  So, we can say that TVET Council and its umbrella ministry are making formidable strides together; it has been a great union,” he said.

The Chairman also mentioned other achievements, highlighting that the National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) and Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQ) were offered in 80 occupational areas. 

These range from CVQs in Agro Food Processing Level – 1 to CVQs in Apparel Manufacturing Technology Level – 3 and NVQs in Fiber Optic Installation Level – 2 to NVQs in Accounting for Small Business Level – 2. 

Dr. Best also praised the staff and the successful awardees at the ceremony for their commitment throughout 2019.

shamkoe.pile@barbados.gov.bb

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