According to UNESCO and the International Labour Organization, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) involves the study of technologies and related sciences; and the acquisition of practical skills, general education, attitudes and an understanding of occupations in various sectors of the economy.
With this in mind, it is clear that TVET plays a critical role in shaping human and national development. In fact, a country with skilled human capital is an economy that shows significant growth potential.
Over the years, Guyana has been paving the way for thousands of young people with comprehensive TVET programmes. In this regard, the Ministry of Education believes that the success of any developing country can be considered a key indicator of the country’s advancement in development.
Moreover, it can be argued that any country that evolved into a technologically advanced one must have witnessed the critical role of TVET education in equipping its work force with the requisite skills and training.
A survey by the technical arm of UNESCO—UNEVOC showed that worldwide, some 80% of all occupations require TVET certification. The Caribbean Association of National Training Agencies, (CANTA), also supports this. According to CANTA, the role and positioning of TVET as an economic activity (well integrated within the education system) must be an imperative for CARICOM’s sustainable development and prosperity.
In Guyana, there are 10 public TVET Institutions within the Ministry of Education. These public Technical Institutions offer programmes in a wide range of areas including: Business Studies; Electrical Installation; Electrical Engineering; Arts and Craft; and Cosmetology. In addition to this, TVET programmes are also offered at the level of Secondary Schools through the Secondary Competency Certificate Programme (SCCP) as well as CXC.
According to officials within the Ministry of Education, the agency intends to help students gain the skills they need to compete anywhere in the Caribbean and beyond. What is also important to note is the fact that TVET programmes are designed for everyone including those who may have a disability.
Over 1000 persons graduate annually from these TVET Institutions with skills ranging from entry level to supervisory level skills and have helped to maintain and encourage the growth of the Guyanese economy.
TVET graduates continue to make a valuable contribution to the socio-economic development. Chefs, Arts and craft specialists, engineers, lawyers, business tycoons, doctors, pharmacists, economist, bankers, ministers and officers of government, and many other professions have passed through the hands of the highly skilled staff of the TVET centres.
The TVET Centres in Guyana include those listed below.
- Carnegie School of Home Economics, Durban and High Streets-Georgetown
- The Craft Production Division, Durban and High Streets-Georgetown
- Government Technical Institute, Camp Road-Georgetown
- Guyana Industrial Training Centre, Woolford Avenue-Georgetown
- Essequibo Technical Institute, Anna Regina-Region 2
- Leonora Technical Institute, Leonora-Region 3
- Linden Technical Institute-Region 10
- New Amsterdam Technical Institute, Berbice-Region 6
- Upper Corentyne Technical Institute-Berbice-Region 6
- Mahaicony Technical Institute, Mahaicony-Region 5
