Vocational Education plans reviewed
It is an effort that does not always receive a lot of publicity, but as our economy changes so does our system of education. As News 5?s Patrick Jones discovered yesterday, the focus on vocational training is being felt nationwide.
Patrick Jones, Reporting
The setting up of the nationwide network of centres for employment training has been progressing quietly since the initiative was launched four years ago. Project coordinator Ernest Raymond says implementation is moving along as planned.
Ernest Raymond
?I would say in general we are about half way through. Especially as it relates to the quality enhancement, the curriculum, the occupational standards testing and certification, the project has been able to produce curricula in four areas, for four programmes at three levels. The hope is that this development will be accelerated in time for the full implementation of the project sometime next year.?
The technical, vocational education and training project, TVET for short, is costing forty two million dollars with funding through a C.D.B. loan. Raymond says it is much more than just setting up physical structures in each of the districts.
Ernest Raymond
?It has to do with yes the classrooms, the equipment, but also the development of the curricula, the training of CET instructors, setting up the national testing and certification unit and of course project management.?
?As it relates to construction it has begun in the Orange Walk, Corozal districts, and is soon to begin in the Stann Creek district, we are hoping that later this year most if not all districts construction will be underway.?
The TVET project is scheduled to be fully running by September of next year. But Raymond says that will all depend on the progress of building construction. Still he says, the staff will be fully trained and all the curriculum ready for implementation. Minister of Education Francis Fonseca says government is fully on board with the TVET Project.
Francis Fonseca
?Our government regards the technical vocational education and training project as a national project, which forms an integral component of our national development agenda. Grounded in our commitment to growing the economy through improved productivity and creating a more just society, through increased opportunities. Productivity and opportunities are keys to this TVET project.?
Patrick Jones, for News Five.
