NIHERST launches survey to identify STEM labour needs of emerging sectors in Trinidad and Tobago
Research instrument developed with support from ILO Caribbean Office.
26 October 2023
As part of Trinidad and Tobago’s efforts to transition its skills development to meet the needs of a more diversified labour market, the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) recently deployed a survey to assess needs for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills in emerging sectors.
Launched in October 2023, the survey is based guidance from the ILO Global framework on core skills for life and work in the 21st century and was developed with technical advice from Ms. Ilca Webster, Skills and Lifelong Learning Specialist at the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean.
The research forms part of a wider national strategy to revitalize the country’s economy as it continues to recover from the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and other global crises. By investing in high-quality STEM education, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago intends to strengthen its job market and competitiveness at regional and global levels.
A total of 450 businesses in the energy, maritime, tourism, food sustainability sectors were selected to participate in the survey. NIHERST will analyse the data and use the results to improve how the country’s education and training system addresses skills anticipation and closes gaps in skills development. With an aim to increasing the STEM labour force, the research will contribute to the overall national strategy by fostering greater innovation, productivity and economic performance.
“The ILO is proud to collaborate on this national effort in advancing soft and technical STEM related skills to strengthen career advancement, secure decent employment and enhance economic growth that benefits all in Trinidad and Tobago,” said Ms. Webster.
The ILO also provided financial support for the development and implementation of the assessment through a grant totalling US$ 30,000. The grant enables NIHERST to effectively undertake the assessment, which is expected to strengthen emerging sectors by providing data on the demand and supply of STEM graduates in priority sectors identified by the Government’s diversification strategy. The data will also guide NIHERST projects and programmes promoting STEM careers that are essential to economic development.
“The Assessment of STEM Labour Needs in Emerging Sectors study will provide data that will empower decision-makers, education specialists, industry and all stakeholders in creating effective policies and programmes to develop STEM capacity and capabilities in Trinidad and Tobago. NIHERST welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with the ILO on this crucial baseline study which will provide valuable insights into the STEM needs of industries to the benefit of all stakeholders. The Institute looks forward to a continued fruitful collaboration with the ILO as it pursues its strategic agenda to build the STEM labour force to support sustainable development,” said Ms. Sharon Parmanan, Senior Economist at the Science and Technology Statistical Department of NIHERST.
For more information the assessment, please visit the NIHERST website.