Caribbean Vocational Qualification Launched

The Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ), which will provide for the free movement of artisans and other skilled persons within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), was launched recently by the HEART Trust/ NTA and the National Council on Technical Vocational Education and Training (NCTVET).
The qualification is based on a common approach to training, assessment and certification as agreed by the national training agencies of the region under the supervision of the Caribbean Association of National Training Agency (CANTA).
Speaking at the launch at the Terra Nova All Suites Hotel in Kingston, recently President of Jamaica Trade and Invest, Robert Gregory, said “the CVQ will provide skilled persons with the opportunity to earn a qualification, as proof of their assessed competence, which legitimizes their enterprise, enabling their free movement as skilled workers within the CSME.”
The qualification, he noted, “gives us the opportunity to close the gap and eliminate the mismatch between the global labour market requirements and the region’s ability to supply a highly competent and confident workforce.”
Meanwhile, Director of Human and Social Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, Myrna Bernard, explained that, “the issue of skill development through Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) and portability of qualifications have assumed renewed importance in positioning the region for competitive participation in the new economy.”
“The CVQ has the potential,” she said “to ensure that the CSME has available to it, a pool of certified skilled persons, and to touch many lives as it puts the benefit of the CSME within the reach of many given its availability to skilled yet uncertified persons.” The CVQ will be accessible to persons already in the workforce as well as students in secondary schools across the region. Persons, who are already in the workforce and would like to obtain a CVQ, will be required to attend designated centres for assessment.
Assessments may take the form of observation, role play or simulation, interviews, written assessments, appraisal of portfolio and practical exercises.
Individuals may be assessed as many times as necessary to prove competence in the specific area of work.
Currently, five levels are being offered. These are entry level or semi-skilled worker; skilled worker; independent/autonomous skilled worker; supervisory specialist worker and managerial professional worker.
The Ministry of Education, in partnership with HEART Trust/NTA and the NCTVET, now offers level one CVQ to students in secondary schools.