A Cabinet Minister says he is fully in support of Government’s efforts to promote competency-based training, but believes more needs to be done to develop a strong nexus between such training and the business community.
Reflecting on the National and Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (N/CVQs) offered through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council, Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development, Donville Inniss, said that it is imperative that when employers, including Government, are seeking to fill positions, that they take into consideration N/CVQs where applicable. He contended that while academic qualifications are important, skills training goes a long way in helping to develop a well-rounded, knowledgeable and skilled workforce.
However, he said to ensure it gets the recognition it deserves, there needs to be a change in Barbadians’ mindset with regards to skills training. He made the point while noting that gone must be the days where people see skills training as a last resort. Minister Inniss made the point while adding that where N/CVQs exists, such as in the area of management, that it be included in the requirements when employers are recruiting persons for management positions, in addition or as a substitute for a specific academic qualification.
“That absence now tells me that there is a disconnect between our training programmes and our employment programmes and that needs to be looked at. I really commend my colleague Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo and her team, what they have been doing to ensure that each Barbadian gets the opportunity to master skills and not to focus purely on academia and to have them certified is to be commended. But that will not be very successful if the employers do not recognise such skills, or recognise the importance of such. I believe that is a case where then we have to find ways of bridging that gap,” Minister Inniss said.
Such competency-based training, the Industry and Small Business Development Minister added, has the potential to develop a new class of entrepreneurs and by extension businesses, which can be a significant source of employment for the country. Inniss is of the firm belief that with such training there is the opportunity in particular, to expand the local micro, small and medium enterprises sector and create legitimate sources of income for Barbadians. (JRT)