Winner of the TVET Council’s top honour – the STAR Award – Sarah Gilkes-Daniel receives her award from Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, Dr. Romel Springer. (TVET Council)
A new national TVET policy will cement the close relationship between general education and technical and vocational education and training.
This assessment has come from Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training (METVT), Dr. Romel Springer, who said the Ministry was looking forward to the finished policy document, which is currently being prepared.
He was speaking at the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council’s Christmas Luncheon and Awards Celebration at the Accra Beach Resort, Rockley, Christ Church, last Friday.
“[It will ensure that] every student and every individual in the workplace is prepared for life as well as their careers, in other words, so that persons get those necessary soft skills. We are realizing now how important those soft skills, those competency-based skills, are in the future industries that we are working towards. If you look at global trends, you will see that is the direction that the global north is trending and we in the global south have to be in line.
This Government has seen the importance of aligning both labour and education in that direction,” he told management and staff.
Dr. Springer said the TVET Council, which now falls under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, was a welcomed addition to the METVT. He pointed out that it was best suited where it could “inform and add value” to what is offered in the Ministry of Education.
“The transition, thus far, was smooth and the crossover has been easy because the Ministry of Education has been working closely with the TVET Council for years. The Ministry of Education greatly appreciates the work ethic and the mission of the TVET Council. I want to commend all employees for your contribution to the cause over the years. I encourage you to continue working towards the vision and the mission you have set for the Council,” the Parliamentary Secretary stated.
Coral Ann Callender copped the Unsung Hero Award for always going beyond the call of duty. Here, she accepts the accolade from Parliamentary Secretary, Dr. Romel Springer. (TVET Council)
He also commended the awardees who were acknowledged for long service, perfect attendance and excellent attendance. Employees were also awarded for their stellar work on the WorldSkills Barbados Competition.
Long service awards were given to the following: Technical Officer in the Technical Unit, Rosline Cumberbatch -10 years; Business Development Officer, Employment and Training Fund, Carol-Ann Burke – 10 years; Technical Officer, Communication, Samantha Jones -15 years; and Manager, Technical Services, Wendy McClean – 20 years.
The Unsung Hero Award, which is given to the employee who goes beyond the call of duty, was awarded to Coral Ann Callender. Additionally, Sarah Gilkes-Daniel took home the STAR (Service, Teamwork, Attitude and Reliability) Award. This is the Council’s top award.
It is given to the employee who consistently excels in his/her position; has made outstanding contributions in the areas of service and dedication to the TVET Council; has promoted teamwork and collaboration across the organization, has worked quietly to improve his/her department; and has consistently done so with a positive attitude.