THE Ministry of Education (MoE) with the support of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), recently hosted a stakeholder pre-meeting for the regional examining body’s Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ).

The pre-meeting represents another major step forward for technical and vocational education in Guyana.

As Guyana continues to expand its economy through sectors like oil and gas, agriculture, construction, and ICT, the importance of producing a workforce with recognised qualifications and technical expertise cannot be glossed over.

The CVQ initiative aims to align students’ skills with industry demands, further enhancing the employability of graduates and contributing to national development.

The primary aim of the stakeholder pre-meeting was to outline the current state of CVQ integration within Guyana’s education system, identify key areas for improvement, and discuss the role that each stakeholder must play in ensuring the successful implementation of CVQs across schools and training institutions.

The meeting provided a platform for the MoE and the stakeholders to discuss ways to streamline certification processes, standardise training programmes, and ensure that the qualifications are recognised locally and internationally.

The ministry explained that the CVQ system is part of a broader effort by CXC to encourage countries in the Caribbean to prioritise technical education and provide students with an alternate pathway to academic qualifications.

By obtaining a CVQ, students not only demonstrate competency in a specific vocational area but also gain certification that is recognised throughout the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The MoE stated that by building strong partnerships between the Ministry of Education, CXC, and the private sector, Guyana is positioning itself to produce a workforce that is highly skilled and internationally certified.

With Guyana continuing to experience unprecedented economic growth, the integration of CVQ programmes will provide a vital boost to the nation’s development, while also empowering students with the skills they need to succeed.

The pre-meeting was led by Deputy Chief Education Officer for Technical Education (DCEO-Tech), Dr. Ritesh Tularam; Director of the National Accreditation Council, Dr. Marcel Hutson and CVQ Auditor, Linda Stewart Duncan. It also brought together educational leaders, vocational training professionals, and industry partners to discuss the future of vocational qualifications and the broader impact it will have on students and the economy.

The CVQ is a regional certification that equips students with the practical skills needed to excel in various technical and vocational fields.