AS THE BARBADIAN SOCIETY embraces the opportunities available through Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQs), it is anticipated that this will have a significant effect on the industries.
With more people engaging in CVQs, this will be the launch of a progressive move for Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) centres.
It will give citizens who possess various skills but no certification the opportunity to train, re-train or upgrade their skills and receive certification. In so doing, the industries throughout Barbados will be influenced with an upgraded workforce.
In the near future, the CVQ programmes will impact positively on industries such as construction, production and manufacturing as they will now have a lower risk of employing people who do not have the necessary work experience.
In these industries employers are hopeful to recruit persons who have experience and are familiar with operating the necessary equipment and machinery to reduce orientation periods.
CVQ programmes are imbedded with the necessary practical units which require that candidates go through an assessment process prior to being awarded full certification. This assessment component closes the critical gap that employers have long complained about; candidates with both the theoretical as well as practical knowledge and skills.
The assessment process is not intended to intimidate the candidates or make the qualification unattainable, but will result in positive effects on candidates who are preparing to go into the world of work.
In undergoing this assessment process, candidates will increase their probability of acquiring jobs as they will be going through simulations and practical exercises which will close the gap for work experience under the job requirement specifications.
For the construction, production and manufacturing industries, the assessment process will work to their advantage from another viewpoint as well.
The CVQ programmes can be implemented for people who are employed and present a suitable opportunity for these industries.
Employers can access the qualification for their employees to have full certification in their job role.
Some of the CVQs which are specifically relevant to these industries are carpentry, electrical installation, management, masonry, mechanical maintenance, occupational safety and health, metal work, plumbing, to name a few.
In the agriculture and tourism industry, there are specific job roles such landscaping, grounds man, nursery assistant, gardener, green house assistant, room attendant, maid/service person, housekeeper, cleaning services assistant etc. where options are limited to receive qualifications.
As mentioned earlier, people are skilled and working in these roles previously without qualifications as well. This is because a qualification is not required or available at a particular time; this creates a system where persons are employed and marketed solely on word of mouth or experience.
However, the awareness of CVQ programmes will impact these industries by setting standard for work and costing for these jobs. The CVQ certification for jobs within these industries will help to raise the standard for these jobs for both the service provider and the people requesting these services. The service providers within the construction, production and manufacturing industries will be influenced by this as well.
In addition to the dominant industries which surface daily, there are industries which continue to grow and show their head; these are the creative industries – which include beauty, fashion, music, entertainment and film.
Within these industries there have always been opportunities to learn and experience these areas however, there are few which allow for qualifications and as result make it difficult to stand on an international level.
CVQ programmes will impact these industries enormously; people will now have the opportunity to acquire full certification which will allow for transferable skills and like the service providers set a standard in these areas.
Beauticians, Entertainers, Film producers, actors etc. will now have the opportunity to be certified in cosmetology, entertainment and events management, art and craft (textile/fibre) and production design.
The CVQ effect on industries is anticipated to be embraced by all industries in the near future as it will have many positive effects.
The opportunity to be certified and create enhanced employability will be felt by the entire Barbadian society.
The alternate routes to further higher education will have a significant impact on employers and employees alike who are constrained by time and need a flexible opportunity to become qualified and will find that the parallel standing with academic qualifications is commendable.
The assessment modules will be beneficial to all industries as it speaks directly to most job specifications circulated by organisations and the transferable skills throughout CARICOM/CSME will decrease the percentages for unemployment as people will now have an avenue to travel for work.
Shanika Best is Caribbean Vocational Qualifications coordinator.
