On Wednesday, September 18th, a press conference was called at the Anguilla Community College (ACC) to present an overview of the upgraded TVET (Technical and Vocational Education Training) programme which is being offered by the College.
The moderator of the press conference was ACC’s President, Dr. Karl Dawson, who introduced the Minister of Education, Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Chanelle Petty-Barrett. He also introduced the TVET Coordinator, Mr. Feliciano James; Director of Technology, Mrs. Tamara Pradel; as well as the Senior Lecturer in Business, Ms. Annishka White, who is attached to the College.
Others present at the conference whom the President recognized were personnel affiliated with TVET interests, including the Chairman of the TVET Council, Mr. Fred Thompson; Tourism Education Coordinator, Mrs. Candis Niles; Commissioner of Labour, Mrs. Jo-Anne Hodge, and potential students of the TVET programme.
In commending the nature of the programme, Minister Cora Richardson-Hodge echoed high praise for the role of the ACC in offering this course of study. She said: “The Ministry has been supporting the delivery of TVET programmes at the Anguilla Community College, which are tuition-free for those students who have just completed 5th Form, but open to other persons, as well, at regular cost.
“Unfortunately, in Anguilla and in many other countries, there still remains a stigma surrounding TVET, where it is not regarded as equal to traditional general programmes — and therefore considered to be only suited for those who do not thrive in the world of academia. Nothing could be further from the truth. TVET is for everybody. It is an equal career path for students who are interested in these areas.”
Reflecting on the importance of TVET related work, in modern technology and opportunities for workmanship in the field, the Minister observed: “The Ministry of Home Affairs and Education recognizes the need to ensure that more opportunities are provided for students to pursue studies in TVET — particularly given the importance of TVET to the development of the workforce here in Anguilla, and the contribution persons qualified in this area can make to the sustainable development of the region.”
Mr. Feliciano James made a presentation in which he explained certain intricacies of the TVET course which he administers at the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School. Among other points, he gave an explanation of the various levels of the TVET programme, noting: “Level 1 is an entry-level position where one is capable to do work under supervision. Level 2 is for those who are semi-skilled and are capable of working under some supervision. Level 3 consists of those who are fully skilled and are capable of working independently.” He said that Levels 4, 5, 6 and upwards cover the supervisory and managerial type of functions.
Mr. James observed the importance of public/private partnerships that are to characterize the TVET programme. He remarked: “At times we might hear persons ask, ‘why don’t government do this or why won’t government do that?’ While it may be necessary for the government to lead on certain initiatives, it is important for all to realize that education is everybody’s business, and government cannot do everything.”
As a supplement to TVET, Ms. Annishka White then presented for BTEC, an UK-based programme, which stands for Business and Technology Education Council. She remarked: “BTEC features different levels for the capacities of different learners. It provides students with the knowledge of business that is career-based and results in the achievement of a certificate or a diploma in Business. BTEC is designed to provide students with business skills that will enable them to move on to higher education or directly into employment.”
Ms. White stated that, Like TVET, BTEC affords various levels. She explained: Level 1 is the primary or entry level; Level 2 is the level at which one would receive a General Certificate of Education; Level 3 is the National Level; Level 4 and 5 are Higher Nationals; Level 6 is Advanced Professional of Bachelor’s level; and Levels 7 and 8 are Post-grad and Doctorate level.”
Also presenting on BTEC, in the area of construction, was Mrs. Tamara Pradel. She administers this course at Sixth Form at ALHCS. She said, “We offer three units in the spring semester and another three in the fall. The first three have to do with the structure of the construction industry where students learn about the entire nature of the field of construction.”
“During this phase,” she said, “the students go out on actual construction sites to do risks assessments and get a feel of the work. They do planning techniques by drawing floor plans and make blue-prints. The second three units in the fall are more fun for the students where they do hands on work in plumbing, electrical and carpentry.”
Following the presentations, a few questions were asked by the media and were answered in a comprehensive manner.
by Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
