Regional Strategy for Technical and Vocational Education and Training

Caribbean Community Secretariat Competency - based Curriculum Design
TVET Council, Barbados - Ministry of Labour and Social Security,
Barbados, 19 to 23 November 2001

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Section 11 Implementation of the Strategy

A wide range of activities is being proposed in this Strategy in order to develop and improve TVET across the region. Since Member States are at different levels in the development of TVET, the starting point and the level of detail of the activities will differ from one territory to the next However, the Strategy provides a framework for further development and for the harmonising initiatives already underway.

Determination of specific actions

The systems and processes proposed in this Strategy will facilitate development and implementation of programmes that are congruent with National development plans. Linkages among the various Ministries, public and private sector and the Labour Market Information System will facilitate policy and decision makers in making informed decisions about TVET, assessing training needs and determining the specific set of actions and the appropriate group/s for carrying them out.

Cost

TVET is expensive and Member States have already made significant budgetary allocations for training programmes. The activities proposed in this Strategy are aimed 10 make systems already in place for TVET more effective and more efficient and the following cost effective strategies are being proposed.

Projectisation of Activities

Having determined the set of specific actions and the possibilities at the national level for giving effect to the objectives set out; it might be desirable to organise these interventions in project form to facilitate implementation and financing. Similarly, this approach could be taken for interventions and initiatives to be undertaken at the regional level.

When a project is undertaken at the regional level it should satisfy the criteria listed below.

The regional project should:

-enhance the programmes being developed at the national level;
-provide benefits outside the capability of individual Member States;
-be congruent with national development plans;
-provide outcomes that are superior to those possible by each country going it alone;
-be cost effective.

Regional projects will be developed for:

-establishment and functioning of the Regional Advisory Committee;
-promoting public awareness and attitudes;
-technical assistance to Member States for the development/establishment of a Labour Market Information System.

The Development of Income Generating Capabilities

TVET Institutions have potential for income generating projects and activities. However, in many territories the income generated by Institutions is usually transferred to national funds. This has been found to be a disincentive for both teachers and students to continue with any income generating projects. In order to finance TVET, Member States could allow Institutions to mate use of income generated for supporting and delivering their own programmes.

Proper accounting procedures and special accounts for Institution building and strengthening will be necessary. By engaging in these income generating projects students will be making valuable contribution to the Institutions. They will also be getting opportunity to apply technical and entrepreneurial skills.

Financial Partnerships

TVET produces graduates at different levels of specialisation for a variety of occupations. Employers benefit from the investment made by Government in the area of TVET. Therefore, the establishment of partnership agreements between Government and the private sector could help off -set some of the cost involved for TVET. In most territories some type of partnership programme is already in place. Where the programmes exist they will need to be strengthened so that maximum gains could be realised in a concerted effort to provide TVET to a wide range of students.

Maximising the use of Available Resources More efficient use of staff, space, equipment and facilities will also help in making a system for TVET more cost -effective. Maximising the use of available resources is therefore necessary and in order to do so there should be:

- careful planning, using modern tools and equipment;
-strategies for the use of laboratories and workshops by many groups from neighbouring Institutions;
-utilisation of the expertise of staff in specialist areas;
- maintenance of school facilities through self-effort and the use of school capabilities.

Rationalisation of efforts by the Bilateral and International Agencies

There is need to rationalise the use of bilateral and international funds so that maximum benefits could be realised. Rationalising the use of resources will also ensure that the activities being funded by the different donor agencies are congruent, enhance each other and so reduce any duplication of effort.

Agents for implementation

At the National level, the National Training Agency will be responsible for the coordination and management of the continuing activities. At the regional level the Regional Advisory Committee will be provide guidance and direction for the overall implementation of the Strategy and will be responsible for the development and execution of the regional projects which have been identified.

Time Frame

As was recognised earlier, each country is at present at a different level of attainment in its TVET arrangements. Consequently, the immediate interventions and actions will vary among them. The Strategy focusses on the minimum set of systems and processes that should obtain in each country if further development of TVET is to take place dynamically, coherently, and cost-effectively.

These facilitating systems and processes and the major 'activities outlined are targetted to be achieved in a three year period.

 

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