TVET, not second class education component in SVG -Minister

Minster of Education, Curtis King said the opening of the North Leeward Technical Institute is an historic occasion in the quest to provide quality education for all.

Speaking at the opening ceremony for the Institute, on Monday January 15, minister King said Technical and Vocational education (TVET), contributes significantly to national development and the government has allocated $440,000 to further this area of education and training.

Minster of Education, Curtis King

“TVET is not a second-class component of our education system…and our vision is that our students who are pursuing TVET, just like those who are pursuing the Humanities and the Sciences and others, will graduate from our secondary schools with certificates and would then move on to our Community College where they will continue their education in the same way that the students do in the respective disciplines,” Minister King affirmed.

The North Leeward Technical Institute, like the other four Technical Institutes located at Barrouallie, Campden Park, Kingstown and Georgetown, will provide the skills and knowledge base necessary to attain Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQ’s), and National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ’s).

The education minister referenced the just concluded budget presentation noting that the government has allocated an approximate $3-million for the construction of a new TVET Centre on Union Island in the Grenadines.

This, he said, is part of the government’s ongoing programme for TVET training across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The minster added that an additional $120,000 has been allocated for the design of a TVET centre with additional services for the Marriaqu constituency (API).