IT IS TIME to remove the artificial divisions that label artisans as unworthy and incapable of using their brains, says Minister of Education Ronald Jones.
The Acting Prime Minister made the observation on Saturday at the official launch of the Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQs) and National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.
Jones said the same divisions were made in the schools with people who have different learning styles and abilities.
Noting that the CVQ and NVQ qualifications would serve to break down barriers, the minister said artisans will now have the certification to show their worth.
Level 1 of the certification will be offered in secondary schools and Jones observed that it was possible for students to leave school with both technical and academic qualifications.
He said the vocational qualifications would also serve to lessen some of the anger felt by students who found their niche in the skilled areas, and had to leave school without the requisite certification.
“We have to lift all of our people up and make a difference with them. CVQ/NVQ is a great leap forward, an excellent step in the right direction . . . for everyone concerned,” Jones noted.
The minister said businesses had to be fully engaged in the process, and had to work with the schools. As of last Friday, 11 businesses were already on board with the programme.
Those sentiments were echoed by Henderson Eastmond of the Technical Vocational and Educational Training (TVET) Council. He pointed out that if the youths were to develop the competencies they would have to go on job attachments and site visits.
He also added that community schooling must become a focus in the future.
Eastmond said the vocational qualifications would guarantee holders freedom of movement in the region. (YB)
