The Department of Employment Relations hosted a day-long conference at the Westin Hotel Monday relating to competency-based training, work-based certification and the desire to upscale Cayman’s labour force in the face of increased global competition.
The workshop, comprising of a series of presentations, illustrated options for enhancing the current scope and efficacy of Cayman’s Technical and Vocational Education Training. In looking further afield at how TVET is structured in other Caribbean jurisdictions, the conference was also set against the backdrop of increased calls to harmonise the development of national occupational standards and National Vocational Qualifications across the region.
Though managed differently in each jurisdiction, TVET in countries such as Jamaica and Trinidad aims to provide work-based certification for blue and white collar workers. It involves continuous assessment tailored to the individual’s learning style and provides industry with a competent and highly skilled labour force.
Minister’s address
The Minister of Employment Relations, Human Resources and Culture, Roy Bodden, opened the conference with a keynote address. In it he congratulated the Department of Employment Relations on the timeliness and relevance of the conference, which was a follow-up to last year’s TVET fair. At a time when technical and vocational education is on everyone’s agenda, he also emphasised the importance for clarity regarding what strategies Cayman will be pursuing to support the development of the local workforce. He also welcomed the opportunity the conference provided for participants to draw on the experiences of countries in the region where great strides have been made in TVET.
‘We live in a credential based society that often considers blue collar work demeaning,’ the minister said. ‘We can’t dispel these attitudes overnight but the foundations must be laid and TVET qualifications will provide certification of workforce skills in a practical and achievable way. However to be successful, the programme must be supported by the wider community, the public and private sectors.’
Presentations
In facilitating the conference, the Department of Employment Relations shared its experiences of TVET. The workshop was well attended and local delegates were able to gain broader insights from panellists from jurisdictions with long established national training agencies.
A presentation by the Walling Whittaker, Director of the Department of Employment Relations, gave insights into aspects of the new Education and Training Law in Cayman, which recommends the establishment of a National Training Board to advise the Minister on TVET developments in Cayman.
He also summarised current trends from his department’s recent local workforce skills survey and explained how such information could be used to identify national priorities for training and the development of the local workforce.
Wil Pineau, Chief Executive Officer of the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce, gave a presentation of his organisation’s mandate as it relates to training developments locally.
Related Videos
