Gaps in Training Needs for Workforce Being Identified

The HEART Trust/NTA is partnering with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information to identify the gaps in the training needs for the workforce.

Portfolio Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, says he has also requested the private sector to highlight the areas of need.

Speaking on the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) television programme, ‘Issues and Answers’ recently, the Minister said this is necessary, “as we look at the emerging job opportunities, such as animation, business process outsourcing, hospitality, maritime and logistics”.

“In all these areas, we are now getting HEART Trust/NTA to be available to train the workforce,” the Minister pointed out.

He added that it is important to signal to the international investment community that Jamaica has the kind of human resource capital that they can utilise.

“So, the HEART Trust/ NTA is absolutely critical in this particular initiative,” Senator Reid said.

Meanwhile, the Minister also mentioned the training agency’s multimillion-dollar support programme, which will benefit students of the national skills training institute as well as operators of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Under the initiative, 60 students graduating with National Vocational Qualification of Jamaica (NVQJ) level 3 qualifications will obtain funding to start their own businesses, while 20 existing MSME operators will receive grants of up to $3 million to expand their operations.

“Through HEART, we are also looking at placing trained workers in jobs, so we are focused on how we can expand economic activity and by that expansion, how we can get persons employed,” Senator Reid said.