BEFPRE THE ADVENT of the Competency Based Training Fund many Barbadians were not as open to the idea of vocational qualifications.
However, with the promotion from the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council and the Ministry of Labour, through the Inter American Development Bank, the public was given the necessary information, eroding the view that vocational qualifications were more associated with low skilled employees and not those who are educationally inclined.
Hellwif (2011) defines competency based education and training (CBET) as the speficiation of knowledge and skill and the application of that knowledge and skill to the standard of performance expected in the workplace. Vocational training now offers those persons who have worked in any given field for an extended period of time, the ability to gain a qualification based on their skill level. The question still remains, why vocational training? How can it help us hone and develop our human capital and by extension our country?
Ayonmike et al in the Journal Of Educational Policy And Entrepreneurial Research On Competence Based Education stated that a skilled workforce is one of the basic requirements for achieving sustainable national security and development in any nation, and technical and vocational education is perceived as the key to building this type of skilled technical and entrepreneurial workforce for sustainable national development.
Vocational training not only builds personal capacity but our national capacity as well. What then is a national vocational qualification and against what standards are these qualifications awarded? National or Caribbean vocation qualifications are work-based qualifications awarded by the TVET Council, that certify a trainee is competent to do the occupation covered by the standard. Occupational standards define the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for effective workplace performance. They specify what a person should know and do in order to effectively carry out the functions of a particular job in the context of the work environment.
These qualifications are pitched at various levels to allow the trainees to gather the information applicable to their skill level. These certifications range from level one to level five. According to the draft framework of the Barbados Accreditation Council: Level two courses can be equivalent to a Caribbean Examinations Council certification; level three courses can be equivalent to an associate degree; level four courses can be equivalent to a bachelor’s degree; and level five courses can be equivalent to a master’s degree.
When finalised this framework, currently a draft, will lay to rest any concerns about the applicability and suitability of courses that would not have been ordinarily considered a vocational training course. Vocational training is not just another government project but a well thought out strategy systematically developed and delivered and is guided and grounded in five main elements. The tasks to be taught are identified by industry experts.
The programme allows each learner to have the opportunity to develop and to be evaluated on the competencies achieved. The assessment of one’s competency is not based on the knowledge of the subject area alone, but on the demonstration of such competency in a real working stiuation. The occupational standards will form the basis on which the learners will be assessed, and the learner should be informed about it.
Learners progress through the programme only by demonstrating the attainment of specified competencies. In essence, this form of learning is only effective if each learner is given an equal opportunity to gain the kind of instruction to meet their need at a level they are at. The development and pursuit of vocational training can be very advantageious to the Barbadian economy. Such advantages include the labour mobility and transferability of skills within CARICOM.
When these individuals travel abroad, they extend remittances to their family and friends which, when spent, stimulate the economy. Enhanced workforce competitiveness is another benefit to be derived. Not only are the needs of the employer being met with the creation of standards, but given that competition brings out the best in us, employers get a chance at the cream of the crop,
If everyone wants to get the higher paying job, each applicant needs eo ensure that they are more qualified than all other applicants. Having a vocational qualification not only says you have the theoretical knowledge but it says you can execute with some level of mastery all the tasks involved in the specific occupation. Moreover, the occupational standards aid in the drive for commong standards similar to the International Organisation for Standardisation. Once these standards are established, the competencies that are made explicit will provide a clear basis for international comparison.
Haivng established the benefits to the economy, what are the personal benefits of pursuing a National/Caribbean vocational qualification? For employees or trainees such benefits include cross-regional recognition of their knowledge and skills; increased job satisfaction, improved progress up the career ladder; flexible route to getting qualified; and improved employability and transferability.
Current or future employers also gain substantially from the pursuit of vocational qualifications. Improved employee performance/skills; increased productivity; improved quality of products and services; improved employee motivation; more cost-effective training; and better guarantee of job candidate’s capability/capabilities.
CBET is a guaranteed form of ensuring that the current or future employees are prepared with the practical skills for the occupation. The acquisition of the competencies outlined and achieved take into account the requirements of companies and industry. By involving employers and industry experts from the very beginning of the process, the trainees are given the skills that are needed currently and for the future. Competency based education and training aims to keep the information taught as valid, reliable, authentic and as cost effective as possible. This process once executed efficiently and as planned will aid in the development of our human capital.
