January 4, 2005

Ian Loudon

A new approach which is expected to facilitate the earning of work-based qualifications by Barbadians, and ultimately lead to a more efficient and highly motivated workforce is being spearheaded by the Technical and Vocational Educational Training (TVET) Council.

A new approach which is expected to facilitate the earning of work-based qualifications by Barbadians, and ultimately lead to a more efficient and highly motivated workforce is being spearheaded by the Technical and Vocational Educational Training (TVET) Council.

National Vocational Qualifications underpin a modern vocational training framework which is revolutionizing European TVET strategies and is rapidly gaining popularity in such countries as Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. It is also bearing fruit in neighbouring Caribbean countries Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.   

Awarded across the spectrum of   work activity, NVQs increase levels of on-the-job competence allowing workers to gain qualifications in a wide area of disciplines, many formerly unrecognized within traditional certification schemes. NVQs have internationally been embraced by both employers and workers as an effective vehicle for achieving competence and competitiveness in the dynamic global economy.

Launch of Pilot Project

According to Mr. Trevor King, Executive Director, TVET Council, the recent training programme, which involved over 40 persons, is part of the preparatory work for the launch of a national NVQ pilot project in the first quarter of next year.

Under the project a number of leading local enterprises in the sectors of tourism and hospitality; customer service; and information technology will become pilot centres for the delivery of National Vocational Qualifications. It is expected that completion of the pilot will over time lead to the offering of NVQs across all sectors of the Barbadian economy.

Ms. Wendy McClean, TVET Council's Senior Technical Officer explained that the recent training covered a number of critical components. The first aspect targeted Council staff in relation to systems and procedures for implementing NVQs. The second gave similar exposure to centre coordinators, assessors, internal and external verifiers and largely examined assessment and verification procedures within the context of quality assurance.

Special Relevance

Consultant Mr. Iain Loudon said he was extremely impressed with the high levels of participation within the training workshops. He felt that this augured well for a successful implementation of the pilot project and subsequent wide-scale introduction of NVQs.

Addressing the benefits of   National Vocational Qualifications, he said that they were  applicable to all members of the workforce desirous of attaining competence-based certification, but had special relevance for categories of workers  who for "Whatever reason have never had the opportunity to gain certification in their particular field. We are encompassing areas not previously recognized - people who have been doing hard jobs physically and mentally but whose skill and contribution have not been recognized through traditional certification."

Mr. Loudon said that when the system is fully implemented, Barbados "Will end up with a workforce that is more motivated. a workforce which has greater self esteem." He noted: "My impression of Barbados is that it is a society that values education. There is a commitment to education and qualifications. However, as in every other society there are sections of the population that are excluded - among them will be persons holding important jobs -- jobs at which they are very skilled, NVQs will give them the opportunity for formal recognition."

He further explained that with National Vocational Qualification, it was  not a case of simply certifying skills. "If persons have the skills, there may be no training involved at all. However, a candidate  may well have skills but if there  are gaps in his/her training and knowledge, then programmes will be mounted for them to come up to the required standards." These occupational standards of competence are defined by Lead Bodies which comprise employers, education and training providers and employee representatives in the specific field who are aware of industry needs.

The NVQs therefore help workers to develop skills and knowledge which are in demand and are transferable across occupational areas; and to acquire certification which indicates that they can perform to national standards.

Training Objectives Met

Commenting on the success of the training programme led by Mr. Loudon, TVET'S Council's Senior Technical Officer Ms McClean said that workshop outcomes were pleasing. "The attendance was very good and participation in the training was exceptional with TVET staffers, assessors, internal and external verifiers better understanding their roles in the delivery of NVQs."

She was also happy with feed-back from the participants. "I think that generally it confirmed their interest in the programme and their willingness to make a contribution. We were given useful comments in many areas including the way we could better structure the training itself.  On the whole, we were satisfied that participants felt that the programme was going well."

Ms. McClean revealed that the next phase of the project is piloting of the NVQs which have been developed. In the interim, documentation, including guidance and related material to be used by the pilot centres will be finalised. The next consultancy, slated for the new year, will focus on the design of the new certification system for the awards.