Professionals in the educational system, workers and employers were made aware of the importance of TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) in secondary schools as the Ministry of Education held a symposium at the Millennium Manor Hotel on Hadfield Street yesterday.
The ministry has begun the implementation of a competency-based programme that uses the Caricom Association of National Training Agencies (CANTA) approved occupational standards in secondary schools.
This programme aims to equip secondary school students with the training and guidance needed for their future career interests, so that apart from academic certifications, students can also have a practical knowledge of their chosen career.
Guest speaker Richard Gregory, who was introduced as “the man that has TVET running through his veins,” spoke about the importance of good educational values, the vital role TVET will play as it relates to economic growth and the recognition of its graduates not only in Guyana and the Caribbean, but also worldwide.
Gregory also pointed out that skills and credentials are the “new global currency.” He called on educators and other individuals to get on board and try to develop the workforce while at the same time decreasing the level of illiteracy in the region.
Chief Education Officer Olato Sam was also present at the forum.
The ministry said in a press release that it has begun to reposition TVET to be industry/employer driven and responsive to employers’ needs. To this end, in collaboration with the Canadian Government-funded Caricom Education For Employment (C-EFE) project it will host a one day forum on industry linkage today.
