TVET implements Career path programme countrywide

February 5, 2018

DPI, Guyana, Monday, February 5, 2018

The Ministry of Education, Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has been working assiduously for two years creating the “Career Path Guide” for students.

In late 2017, when the country was accredited to issue the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) certificate, this guide became more important, as it played a vital role in helping students to better understand the importance of technical-and-vocational education and the opportunities that are available.

Patrick Chinedu Onwuzirike, Technical Chief Education Officer, Minister of Education.

In an exclusive interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), the Technical Chief Education Officer, Patrick Chinedu Onwuzirike explained that the career path programme is being implemented throughout Guyana, to ensure that students are given the opportunities from Grade Nine (Form 3) to plan their future and determine how they can play a vital role in Guyana’s development.

The programme is a step-by-step guide, for students involved in vocational-technical subjects such as Home Economics, Woodwork, and Auto Repairs. It steers them through the steps to be taken in order to acquire their Level One certificate, by the end of Fifth Form, and better position themselves for a post-secondary institution, “It is easier because they would have started some of what is done at post-secondary institutions,” Onwuzirike said.

Last year, following Guyana’s accreditation, then Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine described the event as a historic one in the delivery of education in the Caribbean, particularly in technical and vocational education.

The career path for mechanical Engineering.

As the name suggests the CVQ is a competency-based qualification programme and students have to demonstrate aptitude in reaching CARICOM Approved Occupational Standards developed by practitioners and employers. The candidate will gain a full CVQ Award after having mastered all the units specified in the qualification structure.

There are five levels of the CVQ – Level One (Form Five): Entry-Level: Semi-Skilled, Apprentice, Supervised Beginning Worker (Secondary School leaver); Level Two (Form Six): Skilled Worker: Technical Specialized Independent Worker (Licensed, etc.) (College level); Level Three (Supervisor/Technician/Instructor) UTT/UWI Associate degree; Level Four (Manager/Entrepreneur) UTT/UWI Bachelor Degree; Level Five (Executive Professional) UTT/UWI.

He explained that in Guyana, vocational/technical careers must be emphasised, in order for the workforce to grow. Citing the recent large oil find, and the influx of overseas-based companies into the country, the Technical CEO said Guyanese must become acquainted with the necessary skills so as to take advantage of the job opportunities that will be made available.

Onwuzirike noted that while CTVET in Guyana has been well positioned since the establishment of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Act in 2004, work still needs to be done to ensure persons understand the value of vocational/technical skills and the extent to which efficient manpower can enhance industries.