The SSDA/ National Qualifications Department hosted its first TVET Symposium on Thursday November 29, 2018 at the Methodist Church Hall under the theme, “Strengthening Economic Sustainability through a trained and certified workforce – opportunities and challenges.”

The symposium brought together a range of TVET stakeholders, including senior public servants as well as representatives from the private sector and students. The audience benefitted from remarks from the Minister of Education, the Honourable St. Clair Prince as well as the Director of the National Qualifications Department, Mr. Kenroy Questelles. Presentations were made by SEO-Programmes and Training, Mrs. Nicola Sparks-Browne, who sought to debunk the myth that TVET is for persons with only brawn and no brains, while SEO-Assessment and Quality Assurance, Mrs. Eslyn Thomas, emphasized the development of a robust Quality Assurance system to ensure public confidence in the certification process. Mr. Osborne Bowens, Dean at the SVGCC, Division of Technical and Vocational Education addressed the gathering on TVET and Higher Education, where he gleaned from Article 4 of the IMF report that there is a Labour Market Skills mismatch, which needs to be addressed. Industry presentations were made by Mr. O.T Mayers of Finishing and Furnishing, who spoke about the financial benefits of having a blue collar (TVET) job. Mr. Stanley Harris of VINLEC spoke about employers’ expectations of TVET graduates. The symposium culminated with a panel discussion that saw panelists: Mr. Kenroy Questelles, Mr. Dwight Lewis, Mr. Stanley Harris and Mr. Osborne Bowens discussing the opportunities and challenges associated with TVET, while the Moderator Ms. Marla Nanton ensured that the tone and pace were set. The audience also shared in the discussion with pertinent questions and comments. The SSDA/NQD wishes to thank all stakeholders for making the TVET symposium a success.