SVG leads in TVET Education says Minister

St. Vincent and the Grenadines continues to set itself apart as a leader in the development of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). That is the conclusion of Minister of Education, Curtis King, who said last Thursday, that this achievement can be attributed to the work of the Sector Skills Development Agency in developing and boosting TVET programmes throughout the country. King was speaking at a TVET national symposium held on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at the Methodist Church Hall, Kingstown.

The Sector Skills Development Agency was established in 2010 and within four years, was able to offer Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) certification which is being recognized nationally and regionally, adding credibility to these qualifications and competencies, the minister noted.

He said this is a remarkable achievement as TVET standards issued through the Caribbean Association of National Training Agencies (CANTA), are rigid and of a high quality and standard. The Education Minister added that the value and respect for TVET education is growing, so much so, that even at the primary level, TVET is being pursued.

He referred specifically to the TVET programme currently being offered to students at the Barrouallie Anglican Primary School.

“Once we start at that early level, you are going to have more and more students appreciating the value of TVET…. It is path to equity …TVET represents a lifeline, a chance to break free from poverty, unemployment and marginalization,” the minister remarked, adding that the government remains committed to expanding TVET at all levels. (API)