Suriname preparing TVET system to better adapt to evolving labour market needs

To keep the pace with rapidly changing demands in the world of work, Suriname’s technical and vocational education (TVET) system is embracing skills anticipation. With support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) Caribbean Office, the country’s tripartite officials are participating in a national initiative to prepare for future labour market needs through systematic and consistent methods, labour market information and social dialogue.

The collaborative process seeks to ensure that training programmes are relevant and responsive to evolving labour market demands to enhance employability among the workforce and ultimately support economic growth. The expected outcomes also align with the Suriname Decent Work Country Programme 2023-2026 which includes national skills development as a key priority.

The most recent ILO Caribbean activity to support Suriname’s TVET transformation took place on 4th September during a tripartite workshop, led by Ilca Webster, Skills and Lifelong Learning Specialist. During the session, representatives from the Government, employers and trade unions were introduced to the importance of identifying current and anticipating future skills needs, the impacts of global drivers of change on skills and the key components of a skills anticipation system.

Participating agencies included the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (Ministerie van Onderwijs, Wetenschap en Cultuur); Suriname Business Association (Vereniging Surinaams Bedrijfsleven/VSB) the unions BLTO en BVL/ALS as representatives of the workers within TVET.

“Drivers of change, such as the transition to greener economies, demographics, climate, and technological changes, constantly modify the skills demand. By proactively identifying future skills requirements, policymakers and educators can ensure that the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to meet the demand in industry sectors,” explained Ms. Webster.

“This initiative will help with strengthening the economy and support upcoming industries. Skilled workers are essential for Suriname. They will be the backbone on which the aspired economy will thrive on,” said Robby Glenn Holband, Permanent Secretary for Technical and Vocational Education, Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, Suriname.

Following this introductory workshop, the ILO and the Department of TVET of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (Ministerie van Onderwijs, Wetenschap en Cultuur) will continue to advance the practical implementation of effective skills assessment and anticipation systems in Suriname.

Through the ongoing capacity building collaboration, Suriname’s tripartite partners will achieve a deeper understanding of how demand-oriented TVET systems rely on the anticipation of skills needs to inform policymaking and investment decisions that adjust the training provision to evolving labour market skills requirements. They will also learn how to apply results of skills anticipation to evaluate training and skills development programmes and measure the impact of skills policies.

More information about the ILO’s work to prioritize skills and lifelong learning in the Caribbean is available here.