Investing in the improvement in Technical and Vocational Education

Apr 21, 2021 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

The relevant quote in SN of April 07 was actually “…strengthen technical and vocational education…”
This in fact constitutes a tremendous developmental challenge – very likely beyond current capabilities of related institutions. In any case it assumes that a comprehensive skills needs analysis would have to be undertaken, with of course the advice and collaboration of industries, training organisations and related Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Units.
There are several issues which must be addressed, including the following, taking into account of the reality of trainers having to interact more immediately with students rather than to resort to a mere “Zooming, YouTubing and Googling” environment:
Currency of Trades
It will be necessary to update on trades required for the foreseeable future.
In this connection, it would help to refer to the current list of titled International Standard Classification of Occupations issued by the International Labour Office (ILO).
Next, the critical issue of accessing and utilising relevant tools and equipment will have to be reviewed, along with the qualified/skilled levels of local authorities/trainers or facilitators.
But discussions amongst the parties must necessarily be informed by the TVET Act. 2004, TVET international best practices and The National Accreditation Council Act 2004.
Already the implications are that among other things, new and redesigned accommodation/training facilities will have to be established, and at the most strategic locations, which will also necessitate provision of accommodation for suitably qualified leadership personnel in ‘technical and vocational education’ who will need to be identified.
Overall there is bound to be discussion about human resources gaps that will have to be filled in order to contribute to the level of ‘strengthening’ that is targetted.
TVET enjoys equal status throughout the CARICOM Region, so that it is not unreasonable that some collaboration can be forged with sister territories, (of which, incidentally, the most proactive being Jamaica) in order to achieve a five year target.
Fortunately, it is supported by a Competency Based Education and Training (CBET) activity, which involves most critically, amongst others: the continuous study and review of the labour market in Guyana, in order to inform on programmes and courses to be offered by TVET institutions. The latter include: Technical Institutes, Industrial Training Centres, Practical Instructional Departments, Practical Instruction Centres, and The Carnegie School of Home Economics
The question is how long would it take to identify and develop the quantity and quality of human resources that would transform this objective of strengthening into reality.
Do we really have the will or willingness?

E. B. John

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