HEART/NSTA Trust Celebrates 42 Years of Empowering Youth Through Training

The HEART/NSTA Trust is celebrating 42 years of service as a key driver of Jamaica’s social and economic development, through training.

During a three-day Summit marking the milestone, Managing Director, Dr. Taneisha Ingleton, reaffirmed a commitment to transforming the nation’s workforce through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), to meet the demands of an ever-evolving global landscape.

Dr. Ingleton noted that, “for 42 of Jamaica’s 62 post-independence years, HEART has been at the forefront of national productivity and development in all sectors.”

She was delivering remarks on day one of the Summit, which took place at the AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston on November 4.

Dr. Ingleton said the Trust, established in 1982 by late former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, has grown exponentially since opening its first training institution, the Stony Hill Academy, that year.

HEART now operates 26 fully owned institutions, along with more than 80 community-based training initiatives, in collaboration with the private sector and community groups.

“We… celebrate, not just 42 years of history, but… present our vision for 2024 and beyond. We are navigating a world where technology, industry 4.0 and 5.0, and global dynamics are reshaping the workforce at an unprecedented pace,” Dr. Ingleton said.

This, she pointed out, means that the future demands a skilled, adaptable and inclusive workforce, “something that the HEART/NSTA Trust is dedicated to providing through our digital-first transformation strategy.”

As part of its strategic direction, the Trust has aligned itself with the World Economic Forum’s prediction that 85 million jobs may be displaced by 2025 due to automation, the Managing Director shared.

To address this, the entity has placed TVET at the centre of its strategy for social and economic transformation by advancing training in critical emerging fields, including robotics, coding, mechatronics, optoelectronics and green technology.

“At HEART/NSTA Trust, we have long recognised the power of TVET. Our programmes are specifically designed to bridge the gap between education and industry, equipping Jamaicans with relevant skills for the current and emerging sectors,” Dr. Ingleton said.

She further emphasised that, “recent statistics indicate that shortage of required skills in Jamaica was the least of the challenges faced by employers in their recruitment efforts, highlighting the critical role of TVET programmes in equipping learners with the relevant competencies that align with market demands.”

This aligns with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) TVET strategy for 2022-2029, which focuses on skills for work, sustainability and inclusivity.

In a move that expands access to education, the HEART/NSTA Trust continues its removal of administrative fees for all courses up to Level Four across all its institutions. This undertaking has empowered more Jamaicans to access the skills needed to contribute to the economy.

“We have established workforce colleges, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) labs, and Centres of Excellence that offer practical, industry-aligned training, ensuring that our graduates are not just job-ready, but what we call ‘Monday morning ready’ individuals, who are resilient in their communities and can build a stronger nation,” the Managing Director said.

Dr. Ingleton also noted that HEART/NSTA Trust’s evolution was marked by its 2019 merger with the National Youth Service, Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning, and Apprenticeship Board, a change that further strengthened its capacity to meet the needs of a dynamic workforce.

“Let us move towards further building this vision by understanding the shared purpose, and recognising that TVET is not just an educational pathway; it is the engine that drives social mobility, economic resilience and innovation,” she said.

The three-day summit explored emerging skills needed for Industry 4.0, and encouraged inclusive strategies that ensure all segments of society benefit from economic growth.